JP5544610B2 - Amusement stand - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game table represented by a ball game machine (pachinko machine) and a spinning machine (slot machine).

  When a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a display device such as a liquid crystal display device capable of displaying a plurality of pictures, and the picture displayed on the display device is in a specific mode that is a combination of predetermined specific pictures In addition, a game state advantageous to the player is generated.

  For example, a CGROM (character generator ROM) and an image control unit are mounted on such a game machine. The CGROM stores picture data composed of image data representing a picture composed of one or a plurality of images in image units. In addition, as an image control unit, one having a VRAM (video RAM), a display control computer (processing device), a GPU (graphics processing unit), etc. is known. An example will be described. The display control computer performs overall control for forming the display target picture, and the GPU receives the picture data stored in advance in the CGROM from the display control computer and transfers it to the VRAM in accordance with a command from the display control computer. . Then, the transferred picture data is stored in a storage area of the VRAM for output to the display device. The GPU outputs the picture data stored in the storage area to the display device at every display timing corresponding to one frame section, and the picture based on the picture data is displayed on the display device. However, when the transfer of the picture data to the VRAM is not finished at the display timing, the display is disturbed on the display device, for example, the playback of the moving image is gradually delayed from the schedule, or the display is extended due to so-called frame dropping. There is a possibility of being.

Therefore, it has been proposed to transfer the pattern data used for the subsequent display pattern from the CGROM to the VRAM during the remaining period of the display pattern formation time of each frame period (see, for example, Patent Document 1) . Even if it is proposed in No. 1, the picture data necessary for displaying the predetermined picture cannot be transferred to the means for controlling the display device (corresponding to the image control unit in the above example). There were frequent occurrences of distorted display.

JP 2003-236174 A

The conventional game machine has room for improvement in image control means.

In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine having a feature in image control means .

Amusement machine of the present invention for solving the above object,
Image display means capable of displaying at least an image;
Image control means capable of executing at least image display control of the image display means;
Control means capable of controlling at least the image control means;
A game machine equipped with
The control means is capable of executing at least a plurality of tasks in parallel,
At least one of the plurality of tasks is a first task;
At least one of the plurality of tasks is a second task;
At least one process in the first task is a first process capable of transmitting at least the display position information of the image to the image control means,
At least one process in the second task is a second process capable of transmitting at least pattern information to the image control means,
The image display control is a control capable of displaying at least the pattern indicated by the pattern information as the image at the position indicated by the display position information.
It is characterized by that.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a game machine having a feature in image control means.

It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 100 from the front side (player side). It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 100 from the back side. It is the schematic front view which looked at the game board 102 from the front side (player side). The circuit block diagram of a control part is shown. (A) shows an example of a special symbol stop symbol, (b) shows an example of a decorative symbol, and (c) shows an example of an ordinary stop symbol. It is. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. (A) is a flowchart of the main process which CPU404 of the 1st sub control part 400 performs, (b) is a flowchart of the strobe interruption process of the 1st sub control part 400, (c) is the 1st 6 is a flowchart of timer variable update interrupt processing of the sub-control unit 400. (A) is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart showing the flow of command reception processing of the second sub-control unit 500, c) is a flowchart showing the flow of the image control unit error detection process of the second sub-control unit 500. 10 is a command table showing effect data corresponding to a command received from the first sub-control unit 400. (A) is an effect data table showing an effect set corresponding to the effect data selected in step S407 and the time since the start of the effect based on the effect data, and (b) shows the selected effect set. It is an effect set table showing corresponding image execution data and sound reproduction data. (A) is a sound reproduction data table indicating sound information corresponding to the sound reproduction data selected in step S409 and the time since the start of the operation based on the sound reproduction data, and (b) is a step S409. 3 is an image execution data table showing image information and processing contents corresponding to the image execution data selected in step 1 and the time after the execution of the operation based on the image execution data is started. It is a figure showing the definition of the information which drives the decoration symbol display apparatus 208 in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the drawing information transmission process of step S417. (A) is a figure which shows the task table produced in RAM508, and b) is a flowchart which shows the flow of a task registration process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a task switching process. It is a figure which shows an example of the parallel processing of a some task. (A) is a flowchart which shows the flow of the reading & writing process which CPU504 of the 2nd sub control part 500 performs, (b) is the flow of the display information reading process in step S502 of the same figure (a). (C) is a flowchart showing the flow of the display information writing process in step S503 in FIG. It is the figure which summarized the flow until a design is displayed on the decoration design display apparatus 208 paying attention to especially a task. It is the figure which summarized the flow until a pattern is displayed on the decoration pattern display apparatus 208 paying attention to especially pattern information and drawing information. It is a figure which shows an example when the bitmap D shown in FIG. 20 is not transferred. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a common bitmap is not stored in a ROM 506. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display information about the pattern different from the pattern shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows eight picture definitions regarding "evil agent". In the pachinko machine of the present embodiment, the display screen of the decorative symbol display device when the special figure variation game is started and the reach effect is made is time-sequentially in the order of (a), (b), (c). It is the figure shown in. It is a figure which shows the display information different from the display information shown in FIG. 23 about the design pattern of an evil agent. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the modification of the drawing information transmission process shown in FIG. 14 which is one of the processes in a main task. The display screen of the decorative symbol display device when the special figure variable game is started and the reach effect is made in the pachinko machine in the modified example is time-sequentially in the order of (a), (b), (c). FIG. In the modified example, the display screen of the decorative symbol display device when Tono-sama loses in the game scene of Tono-sama and the bad guy in the order of (a), (b), (c)... is there. It is a figure which shows an example of the slot machine which can apply this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the casino machine which can apply this invention.

Hereinafter, a gaming machine (for example, a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine 100 or a spinning machine such as a slot machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1]
<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 100 from the front side (player side).

  As an external structure, the pachinko machine 100 includes an outer frame 102, a main body 104, a front frame door 106, a door 108 with a ball storage tray, a launching device 110, and a game board 200 on its front side (player side). )

  The outer frame 102 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body 104 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 102 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge portion 112. The main body 104 is formed in a frame shape and has a space 114 inside.

  The front frame door 106 is attached to the front surface of the main body 104 on the front side of the pachinko machine 100 so as to be openable and closable with a lock function, and is configured in a frame shape so that the inside of the front frame door 106 can be opened. Is a door member having an opening 116. The front frame door 106 is provided with a transparent plate member 118 made of glass or resin at the opening 116, and a speaker 120 and a frame lamp 122 are attached to the front side. A space in which the game area 124 is provided is defined by the rear surface of the front frame door 106 and the front surface of the game board 200.

  The door 108 with a ball storage tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body 104 on the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. The ball storage tray-equipped door 108 is capable of storing a plurality of game balls (hereinafter simply referred to as “balls”), and an upper plate 126 provided with a passage for guiding the game balls to the launching device 110. A lower plate 128 that stores game balls that cannot be stored in the upper plate 126, a ball removal button 130 that discharges the game balls stored in the upper plate 126 to the lower plate 128 by the player's operation, A ball discharge lever 132 that discharges game balls stored in the lower plate 128 to a game ball collection container (common name, dollar box) by operation, and a game ball guided to the launching device 110 by operation of the player The ball launching handle 134 that is launched into the game area 124, the chance button 136 that changes the presentation mode of the various presentation devices 206 (see FIG. 3) by the player's operation, and the chance button 136 are made to emit light. A chance button lamp 138, a ball lending operation button 140 for instructing ball lending to a card unit (CR unit) installed in a game store, and a return operation button for instructing the card unit to return the player's balance 142, and a ball rental display unit 144 for displaying the balance of the player and the state of the card unit.

  The launching device 110 is attached to the lower side of the main body 104, and a launching rod 146 that rotates when the ball launching handle 134 is operated by the player, and a launching rod 148 that strikes the game ball at the tip of the launching rod 146. .

  The game board 200 has a game area 124 on the front surface, and is detachably attached to the main body 104 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space 114 of the main body 104. The game area 124 can be observed from the opening 116 after the game board 200 is mounted on the main body 104. In FIG. 1, the specific configuration of the game area 124 is not shown, and the specific configuration is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the pachinko machine 100 of FIG. 1 viewed from the back side.

  The upper part of the back surface of the pachinko machine 100 has an opening that opens upward, a ball tank 150 for temporarily storing game balls, and a lower part of the ball tank 150 that is positioned below the ball tank 150. A tank rail 154 is provided for guiding a ball passing through the formed communication hole and dropping to the dispensing device 152 located on the right side of the back surface.

  The payout device 152 is formed of a cylindrical member, and includes a payout motor, a sprocket, and a payout sensor (not shown) inside.

  The sprocket is configured to be rotatable by a payout motor. The sprocket that temporarily passes through the tank rail 154 and flows down into the payout device 152 is temporarily retained, and the payout motor is driven to rotate by a predetermined angle. Thus, the temporarily accumulated game balls are sent one by one downward to the payout device 152.

  The payout sensor is a sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball sent out by the sprocket. When the game ball is passing, either a high signal or a low signal is passed. Either the high signal or the low signal is output to the dispensing control unit 600. The game ball that has passed through the payout sensor passes through a ball rail (not shown) and reaches an upper plate 126 disposed on the front side of the pachinko machine 100. The pachinko machine 100 The ball is paid out to the player according to the configuration.

  On the left side of the payout device 152 in the figure, a main board case 158 that houses the main board 156 that constitutes the main control section 300 (see FIG. 4) that performs overall game control processing, and processing information generated by the main control section 300 are displayed. Based on the processing information generated by the first sub-board case 162 that houses the first sub-board 160 that constitutes the first sub-control unit 400 (see FIG. 4) that performs control processing related to the production, and the first sub-control unit 400. The second sub-board case 166 that houses the second sub-board 164 that constitutes the second sub-control unit 500 (see FIG. 4) that performs control processing related to effects, and the payout control unit 600 that performs control processing related to game ball payout ( 4) and a payout board case 172 for storing a payout board 170 having an error release switch 168 for releasing an error by the operation of a game clerk. A launch board case 176 that houses a launch board 174 that constitutes a launch control unit 630 (see FIG. 4) that performs control processing, and a power management unit 660 (see FIG. 4) that supplies power to various electrical gaming machines are configured. A power supply board case 184 that houses a power supply board 182 that includes a power switch 178 that turns the power on and off by an operation of a game shop clerk and an RWM clear switch 180 that outputs an RWM clear signal to the main control unit 300 when the power is turned on; In addition, a CR interface unit 186 for transmitting and receiving signals between the payout control unit 600 and the card unit is provided.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the game board 200 as viewed from the front.

  In the game board 200, an outer rail 202 and an inner rail 204 are arranged, and a game area 124 in which a game ball can roll is defined.

  An effect device 206 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area 124. The effect device 206 is provided with a decorative symbol display device 208 substantially in the center, and around the normal symbol display device 210, the first special symbol display device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, and the ordinary device. A symbol holding lamp 216, a first special symbol holding lamp 218, a second special symbol holding lamp 220, and a high-probability medium lamp 222 are provided. Hereinafter, the normal symbol may be referred to as “general symbol” and the special symbol may be referred to as “special symbol”.

  The effect device 206 performs the effect by operating the effect movable body 224, and details thereof will be described later.

  The decorative symbol display device 208 is a display device for performing various displays used for decorative symbols and effects. In this embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 208 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device (Liquid Crystal Display). The decorative symbol display device 208 is divided into four display areas, a left symbol display area 208a, a middle symbol display area 208b, a right symbol display area 208c, and an effect display area 208d, and the left symbol display area 208a and the middle symbol display area 208b. The right symbol display area 208c displays different decorative symbols, and the effect display area 208d displays an image used for the effect. Furthermore, the position and size of each display area 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d can be freely changed within the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208. In addition, although the liquid crystal display device is employ | adopted as the decoration symbol display apparatus 208, it is not a liquid crystal display device, What is necessary is just the structure which can display various effects and various game information, for example, a dot matrix display device Other display devices including a 7-segment display device, an organic EL (ElectroLumin S3ence) display device, a reel (drum) display device, a leaf display device, a plasma display, and a projector may be employed.

  The general map display device 210 is a display device for displaying a general map, and is configured by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment. The first special figure display device 212 and the second special figure display device 214 are display devices for displaying special figures, and in the present embodiment, are constituted by 7 segment LEDs.

  The multi-purpose hold lamp 216 is a lamp for indicating the number of general-purpose variable games (details will be described later) that are on hold. In this embodiment, the general-purpose variable games are reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, two). It is possible to do. The first special figure hold lamp 218 and the second special figure hold lamp 220 are lamps for indicating the number of special figure variable games (details will be described later) that are being held. In this embodiment, the special figure variable games are displayed. It is possible to hold up to a predetermined number (for example, four). The high-probability medium lamp 222 is a lamp for indicating that the gaming state is a high probability state in which a big hit is likely to occur or a high probability state, and the gaming state is changed from a low probability state in which a big hit is unlikely to occur. Turns on when switching to the probability state, and turns off when switching from the high probability state to the low probability state.

  In addition, a general prize opening 226, a general figure starting opening 228, a first special figure starting opening 230, a second special figure starting opening 232, and a variable winning opening 234 are provided around the effect device 206. ing.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of general winning holes 226 are arranged on the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor (not shown) detects a ball entering the general winning holes 226 (in the general winning holes 226). In the case of winning), the payout device 152 shown in FIG. 2 is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, 10) of balls are discharged as prize balls to the upper plate 126 shown in FIG. The player can freely take out the balls discharged to the upper plate 126. With these configurations, the player can pay out the winning balls to the player based on winning. The ball that has entered the general winning opening 226 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the game island side. In this embodiment, a ball to be paid out to a player as a consideration for winning may be referred to as a “prize ball”, and a ball lent out to a player may be referred to as “rental ball”. They are called “balls (game balls)”.

  The normal start port 228 is configured by a device called a gate or a through chucker for determining whether or not a ball has passed a predetermined area of the game area 124. In this embodiment, the left side of the game board 200 is used. One is arranged. Unlike the ball that has entered the general winning opening 226, the ball that has passed through the usual starting port 228 is not discharged to the amusement island side. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has passed through the general map starting port 228, the pachinko machine 100 starts a general map variable game by the general map display device 210.

  In the present embodiment, only one first special figure starting port 230 is disposed at the center of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the first special figure starting port 230, the payout device 152 shown in FIG. 2 is driven and a predetermined number (for example, three) of balls is selected as a winning ball. While discharging to the tray 126, the special figure variable game by the first special figure display device 212 is started. The ball that has entered the first special figure starting port 230 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  In the present embodiment, only one second special figure starting port 232 is disposed directly below the first special figure starting port 230. In the vicinity of the second special figure start port 232, a pair of blade members 2321 that can be opened and closed by a solenoid are provided. The pair of blade members 2321 and the second special figure start port 232 are combined to form an electric tulip ( Sometimes referred to as “Den Chu”. While the pair of blade members 2321 is closed, it is impossible to enter a ball, and when the universal figure display game 210 is won and the universal figure display device 210 stops and displays the symbol, the pair of blade members 2321 has a predetermined time. Opening and closing at intervals and a predetermined number of times allows the ball to enter the second special figure starting port 232. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the second special figure starting port 232, the payout device 152 is driven and a predetermined number (for example, four) of balls is discharged to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. At the same time, the special figure variation game by the second special figure display device 214 is started. The ball that has entered the second special figure starting port 232 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  In the present embodiment, only one variable winning port 234 is disposed below the center of the game board 200. The variable winning opening 234 includes a door member 2341 that can be opened and closed by a solenoid. The variable winning opening 234 may be called a big winning opening, and the door member 2341 and the variable winning opening 234 may be collectively called an attacker. While the door member 2341 is closed, it is impossible to enter a ball. When the special figure change game is won and the first special figure display device 212 or the second special figure display device 214 stops and displays the big hit symbol, The member 2341 opens and closes at a predetermined time interval (for example, an opening time of 29 seconds and a closing time of 1.5 seconds) and at a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the variable winning opening 234, the payout device 152 is driven to discharge a predetermined number (for example, 15 balls) of balls to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. The ball that entered the variable winning opening 234 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  Further, a plurality of disc-shaped hitting direction changing members 236 called a windmill and a plurality of game nails 238 are arranged in the vicinity of these winning openings and start openings, and at the bottom of the inner rail 204, An out port 240 is provided for guiding a ball that has not won a prize or starting port to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharging it to the game island side.

  The pachinko machine 100 supplies the ball stored in the upper plate 126 shown in FIG. 1 by the player to the launch position of the launch rail, and sets the launch motor with strength according to the operation amount of the player's ball launch handle 134. Driven, the launcher 146 and the launcher 148 pass through the outer rail 202 and the inner rail 204 to launch into the game area 124. Then, the ball that has reached the upper part of the game area 124 falls downward while changing the advancing direction by the hitting direction changing member 236, the game nail 238, etc., and a winning opening (general winning opening 226, variable winning opening 234) or start opening (Outside the first special figure starting port 230, the second special figure starting port 232), winning out any winning port or starting port, or just passing through the normal start port 228, the out port 240 To reach.

<Directing device 206>
Next, the rendering device 206 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  On the front side of the effect device 206, a warp device 242 and a stage 244 are arranged in an area where the game ball can roll, and an effect movable body 224 is arranged in an area where the game ball cannot roll. . In addition, a decorative symbol display device 208 and a shielding device 246 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a door) are disposed on the back side of the effect device 206. That is, in the effect device 206, the decorative symbol display device 208 and the shielding device 246 are positioned behind the warp device 242, the stage 244, and the effect movable body 224.

  The warp device 242 discharges the game balls that have entered the warp inlet 242a provided at the upper left of the effect device 206 to the stage 244 below the front surface of the effect device 206 from the warp outlet 242b.

  The stage 244 can roll a ball discharged from the warp outlet 242b or a ball naild by the game nail 238 and the like. A special route 244a is provided to facilitate the ball.

  In this embodiment, the effect movable body 224 includes an upper arm portion 224a and a forearm portion 224b simulating the upper arm and forearm of a human right arm. A forearm motor (not shown) that rotates the forearm 224b at a position is provided. The effect movable body 224 moves in front of the decorative symbol display device 208 by the upper arm motor and the forearm motor.

  The shielding device 246 includes a lattice-like left door 246a and right door 246b, and is disposed between the decorative symbol display device 208 and the front stage 244. Belts wound around two pulleys (not shown) are fixed to the upper portions of the left door 246a and the right door 246b, respectively. That is, the left door 246a and the right door 246b move to the left and right as the belt driven by the motor through the pulley moves. In the state where the left door 246a and the right door 246b are closed, the shielding device 246 covers the inner end portions of the shielding device 246 so that it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the decorative symbol display device 208. In the state where the left door 246a and the right door 246b are opened, each inner end portion slightly overlaps the outer end portion of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208, but the player can visually recognize all of the display of the decorative symbol display device 208. It is. In addition, the left door 246a and the right door 246b can be stopped at arbitrary positions, respectively, for example, only a part of the decorative design so that the player can identify which decorative design the displayed decorative design is. Can be shielded. In addition, the left door 246a and the right door 246b may be configured so that a part of the decorative symbol display device 208 behind the lattice hole can be visually recognized, or the shoji part of the lattice hole is closed with a translucent lens body. The display by the decorative symbol display device 208 may be made vaguely visible to the player, or the shoji part of the holes in the lattice is completely blocked (shielded), and the decorative symbol display device 208 behind is made completely invisible. Also good.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the pachinko machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the pachinko machine 100 can be roughly classified into a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. A first sub-control unit 400 that controls the second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400, and a command transmitted by the main control unit 300 A payout control unit 600 that mainly performs control related to payout of game balls, a launch control unit 630 that controls the launch of game balls, and a power management unit 660 that controls the power supplied to the pachinko machine 100. Yes. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the second sub control unit 500 are composed of different circuit boards, but these three control units (300, 400, 500) are: The first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 may be composed of one common circuit board different from the circuit board of the main control unit 300. It may be a thing. Therefore, the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the second sub control unit 500 can be regarded as control means, or a combination of these three control units (300, 400, 500) is combined into one. It can also be regarded as a control means, and the combination of the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 can be regarded as one control means.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control programs and various data, and temporary data. RAM 308 for storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time and frequency, and WDT 314 for monitoring abnormalities in program processing are mounted. . Note that another storage device may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 316 as a system clock.

  In addition, the basic circuit 302 includes a counter circuit 318 used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 each time a clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 316 is received (this circuit includes two circuits). 1), the opening sensor of the front frame door 106, the opening sensor of the main body 104, the full sensor of the lower plate 128, etc., as well as the start opening, the entrance of the winning opening and the variable winning shown in FIG. A sensor circuit 322 for receiving signals output from various sensors 320 including a sphere detection sensor provided in the mouth and outputting a result of comparison and comparison with a reference voltage to the counter circuit 318 and the basic circuit 302; A drive circuit 324 for controlling the display of the first special figure display device 212 and the second special figure display device 214 and the display control of the general figure display device 210 The display circuit 326 and the various status display units 328 (for example, the general map hold lamp 216, the first special figure hold lamp 218, the second special figure hold lamp 220, the high accuracy medium lamp 222, etc.). And a drive circuit 334 for controlling various solenoids 332 for opening and closing the second special figure starting port 232, the variable prize winning port 234, and the like.

  When the ball detection sensor among the various sensors 320 detects that the ball has won the first special figure starting port 126, the sensor circuit 322 sends a signal indicating that the ball has been detected to the counter circuit 316. Output. Upon receiving this signal, the counter circuit 316 latches the value at the timing of the counter corresponding to the first special figure starting port 126, and stores the latched value in the built-in counter value corresponding to the first special figure starting port 126. Store in the register. Similarly, when the counter circuit 316 receives a signal indicating that the ball has won the second special figure starting port 128, the counter circuit 316 latches the value at the timing of the counter corresponding to the second special figure starting port 128. The latched value is stored in a built-in counter value storage register corresponding to the second special figure starting port 128.

  Further, an information output circuit 336 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an information input circuit 350 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 336. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a voltage monitoring circuit 338 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit 660 to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 338 is a voltage value of the power source. Is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output to the basic circuit 302.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When an activation signal is input, game control is started (main control section main processing described later is started).

  The main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub-control unit 400 and an output interface for transmitting a command to the payout control unit 600. With this configuration, the first control unit 300 Communication with the sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is enabled. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 sends commands and the like to the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600. The first sub control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 are configured such that signals such as commands cannot be transmitted to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 mainly based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404 and A RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, the number of times, and the like are mounted. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The basic circuit 402 is connected to a ROM 406 for storing control programs and various effects data. The ROM 406 may store the control program and various effect data in separate ROMs.

  The basic circuit 402 includes a drive circuit 416 for performing drive control of the effect movable body 224, a drive circuit 432 for performing drive control of the shield device 246, and a shield device that detects the current position of the shield device 246. A sensor 430, a chance button detection sensor 426 that detects pressing of the chance button 136, an effect movable body sensor 427 that detects the current position of the effect movable body 224, a shielding device sensor 430, a chance button detection sensor 426, and an effect movable body A sensor circuit 428 that outputs a detection signal from the sensor 427 to the basic circuit 402 is connected.

  Further, the basic circuit 402 includes various lamp drive circuits 440 for controlling various lamps 442 (for example, chance button lamp 138, game board lamp, game stand frame lamp, etc.), and various lamp drive circuits 440; A serial communication control circuit 420 that performs lighting control by serial communication is also connected.

  Next, the second sub control unit 500 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, an I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, frequency, and the like. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. Further, the basic circuit 502 includes a ROM 506 storing a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, and a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data. It is connected. Further, a dip switch 552 for various settings and a monitor LED 553 for displaying various setting statuses are also connected to the basic circuit 502.

  Also connected to the basic circuit 502 are a sound source IC 516 for controlling the speaker 120 (and amplifier) and an image control unit 560 for displaying an image on the decorative symbol display device 208. The image control unit 560 includes a VRAM (video RAM) 561 and a GPU (graphics processing unit) 562. The GPU 562 reads the pattern information and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the display area (work area) of the VRAM 561, and displays the image on the decorative symbol display device 208. Note that the GPU 562 and the VRAM 561 may be configured as a single package as the image control unit 560 or may be configured separately.

<Discharge control unit, launch control unit, power supply management unit>
Next, the payout control unit 600, the launch control unit 630, and the power management unit 660 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The payout control unit 600 controls the payout motor 602 of the payout device 152 shown in FIG. 2 mainly based on a signal such as a command transmitted from the main control unit 300, and awards based on a control signal output from the payout sensor 604. While detecting whether or not the payout of the ball or the rental ball has been completed, communication with a card unit 608 provided separately from the pachinko machine 100 is performed via the interface unit 606.

  The launch control unit 630 outputs a control signal output from the payout control unit 600 to permit or stop the launch, or a launch intensity output circuit provided in the ball launch handle 134 to operate the ball launch handle 134 by the player. Based on the control signal instructing the launch intensity according to the amount, the launcher 146 and the launcher motor 632 driving the launcher 148 shown in FIG. The device 634 is controlled.

  The power management unit 660 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the pachinko machine 100 into a direct current, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies the predetermined voltage to the payout control unit 600 and the second sub-control unit 500. The main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the launch control unit 630 are supplied with a predetermined voltage from the payout control unit 600. The power management unit 660 also stores a power storage circuit (for example, a power supply circuit) for supplying power to a predetermined component (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off. , Capacitor). In the present embodiment, a predetermined voltage is supplied from the power management unit 660 to the payout control unit 600 and the second sub control unit 500, and the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the launch control unit are supplied from the payout control unit 600. Although a predetermined voltage is supplied to 630, the predetermined voltage may be supplied to each control unit and each device through another power supply path.

<Type of design>
Next, using FIGS. 5A to 5C, the first special symbol display device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, the decorative symbol display device 208, and the normal symbol display device 210 of the pachinko machine 100 are stopped and displayed. The types of special maps and general maps to be described will be described.

  Fig.5 (a) shows an example of the stop symbol aspect of a special figure.

  The special figure 1 variable game is started on the condition that the first start port sensor, which is a ball detection sensor, detects that a ball has entered the first special figure start port 230, and the second special figure start port 232 has a ball. The special figure 2 variable game is started on the condition that the second start port sensor which is a ball detection sensor detects that the ball has entered. When the special figure 1 variable game is started, the first special symbol display device 212 performs “variable display of special figure 1” by repeating all lighting of seven segments and lighting of one central segment. In addition, when the special figure 2 variable game is started, the second special symbol display device 214 displays “fluctuation display of special figure 2” which repeats lighting of all seven segments and lighting of one central segment. Do. Then, when the variation time determined before the start of the fluctuation of the special figure 1 elapses, the first special symbol display device 212 stops and displays the stop symbol form of the special figure 1, and the fluctuation time determined before the start of the fluctuation of the special figure 2 When elapses, the second special symbol display device 214 stops and displays the stop symbol form of the special symbol 2. Hereinafter, a series of displays from the start of the “variable display of special figure 1 or 2” to the stop display of the special symbol form of special figure 1 or 2 may be referred to as symbol fluctuation stop display. This symbol variation stop display may be continuously performed a plurality of times. FIG. 5A shows ten types of special drawings from “Special Figure A” to “Special Figure J” as the stop symbol forms in the symbol variation stop display. In FIG. 5 (a), the white portions in the drawing indicate the locations of the segments that are turned off, and the black portions indicate the locations of the segments that are turned on.

  “Special figure A” is a 15 round (15R) special jackpot symbol, and “Special figure B” is a 15R jackpot symbol. The round here represents the maximum value of the number of times of opening and closing the door member 2341 shown in FIG. 3, and the 15th round is the maximum number of opening and closing operations when the door member 2341 opens and closes once. Means to last 15 times. In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, the determination as to whether or not the big hit in the special figure variable game is made by lottery of hardware random numbers, and the decision as to whether or not it is a special big hit is made by lottery of software random numbers. The difference between the jackpot and the special jackpot is the difference in whether the probability of winning the jackpot is high (special jackpot) or low (jackpot) in the next special figure variation game. Hereinafter, a state having a high probability of winning the jackpot is referred to as a special figure high probability state, and a state having a low probability is referred to as a special figure low probability state. In addition, after the 15R special jackpot game ends and after the 15R jackpot game ends, both shift to the time-saving state. Although the time reduction will be described in detail later, the state that shifts to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal high probability state, and the state that does not shift to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal low probability state. “Special figure A”, which is a 15R special jackpot symbol, is a special figure high probability normal figure high probability state, and “Special figure B”, which is a 15R jackpot symbol, is a special figure low probability ordinary figure high probability state. These “special drawing A” and “special drawing B” are symbols that make the pachinko machine 100 relatively advantageous to the player.

  “Special figure C” is a 2R jackpot symbol called sudden probability change, and is a special figure high probability normal figure high probability state. That is, “Special Figure C” is 2R compared to “Special Figure A” which is 15R. “Special figure D” is a 2R jackpot symbol called sudden time reduction, and is a special figure low probability normal figure high probability state. That is, “Special Figure D” is 2R compared to “Special Figure B” which is 15R.

  “Special figure E” is a 2R jackpot symbol called hidden probability change, and is a special figure high probability normal figure low probability state. "Special figure F" is a 2R jackpot symbol suddenly called normal, and is a special figure low probability normal figure low probability state. These “special drawing E” and “special drawing F” are both 2R and are in a state in which they do not shift to the time-saving state.

  “Special figure G” is the first small hit symbol, and “Special figure H” is the second small hit symbol, both of which are in the special figure low probability normal figure low probability state. The small hit here corresponds to the same as the big hit with no short time at 2R. That is, “Special Figure G” and “Special Figure H” are in the same state as “Special Figure F”, but the effects displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 are different in both cases. By providing “G”, “Special Figure H”, and “Special Figure F”, the interest of the game is enhanced.

  In addition, “Special Figure I” is a first off symbol, and “Special Figure J” is a second off symbol, which makes the pachinko machine 100 relatively disadvantageous for the player.

  In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, symbols other than “Special Illustration A” are prepared as 15R special jackpot symbols, and the same applies to other symbols such as 15R jackpot symbols.

  FIG. 5B shows an example of a decorative design. There are 10 types of decoration patterns of the present embodiment: “Decoration 1” to “Decoration 10”. The first start port sensor detects that a ball has won the first special figure start port 230 or the second special view start port 232, that is, the ball has entered the first special view start port 230; or On the condition that the second start port sensor detects that a ball has entered the second special symbol start port 232, the left symbol display area 208a, the middle symbol display area 208b, and the right symbol display of the decorative symbol display device 208 are displayed. Displayed in the order of “decoration 1” → “decoration 2” → “decoration 3” →... “Decoration 9” → “decoration 10” → “decoration 1” →... “Decoration display of decorative pattern” is performed. When the 15R jackpot of “Special Figure B” is notified, a symbol combination (for example, “decoration 1-decoration 1-decoration”) corresponding to the 15R jackpot in the symbol display areas 110a to 110c is arranged. 1 ”or“ decoration 2—decoration 2—decoration 2 ”). When notifying the 15R special jackpot of “special drawing A”, a combination of three symbols of the same odd number of decorative symbols (for example, “decoration 3—decoration 3—decoration 3” or “decoration 7—decoration 7—decoration 7”). Etc.) is stopped and displayed.

  In addition, the 2R big hit called “hidden probability change” of “special drawing E”, the 2R big hit called “special drawing F” suddenly normal, or the first small hit of “special drawing G”, “special drawing H” When notifying the second small hit, “decoration 1-decoration 2—decoration 3” is stopped and displayed. Furthermore, in order to notify 2R jackpot called “sudden probability change” of “special drawing C” or 2R jackpot called “sudden time reduction of“ special drawing D ”,“ decoration 1-decoration 3—decoration 5 ”is set. Stop display.

  On the other hand, when notifying the first deviation of “Special Figure I” and the second deviation of “Special Figure J”, the symbol combinations other than the symbol combinations shown in FIG. 5B are stopped in the symbol display areas 110a to 110c. indicate.

  Here, a symbol combination of three decorative symbols for notifying that a predetermined first jackpot (for example, 15R jackpot) is started or that the lottery result is a predetermined first jackpot is a first symbol combination, a predetermined symbol Starting the second big hit (for example, 15R special big hit), or the symbol combination of three decorative symbols for notifying that the lottery result is the predetermined second big hit, the second symbol combination, the predetermined first 3 decorative symbols that start 3 big hits (eg 2R big hit), small hits (first small hit, second small hit), or that the lottery result was the third big hit or small hit The symbol combination is collectively referred to as the third symbol combination, and the symbol combinations of the three decorative symbols for notifying that the lottery result has been lost (for example, the first error and the second error) are collectively referred to as a fourth symbol combination. Also, when the first symbol combination and the second symbol combination are collectively referred to as a jackpot symbol combination, and in some cases, the first symbol combination, the second symbol combination, and the third symbol combination are collectively referred to as a winning symbol combination. There is also. Further, depending on the case, the third symbol combination and the fourth symbol combination may be collectively referred to as the off symbol combination.

  FIG.5 (c) shows an example of the usual stop display symbol. In the present embodiment, there are two types of stoppage display modes of “normal map A”, which is a winning symbol, and “general symbol B”, which is a missed symbol. Based on the fact that the gate sensor, which is a sphere detection sensor, detects that the sphere has passed through the general start port 228, the general display display device 210 illuminates all seven segments and the central one segment. Repeat the lighting and perform “Fluctuation display of normal map”. Then, when notifying the winning of the common figure variable game, the “normal figure A” is stopped and displayed, and when notifying the deviation of the common figure variable game, the “normal figure B” is stopped and displayed. Also in FIG. 5C, the white portions in the drawing indicate the locations of the segments that are turned off, and the black portions indicate the locations of the segments that are turned on.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, the main control unit main process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 4 includes the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input performs reset start by a reset interrupt, and executes main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  In step S101, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, setting of a stack initial value (temporary setting) to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of an interrupt mask, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, to the WDT 314 The operation is permitted and the initial value is set. In the present embodiment, a numerical value corresponding to 32.8 ms is set in WDT 314 as an initial value.

  In step S103, the value of the counter of WDT 314 is cleared and time measurement by WDT 314 is restarted.

  In step S105, whether or not the low voltage signal is ON, that is, the voltage value of the power supply that the voltage monitoring circuit 338 supplies to the main control unit 300 via the second sub control unit 500 by the power supply control unit 660. Is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), it is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when the CPU 304 detects that the power supply is cut off), the process returns to step S103, and when the low voltage signal is off (when the CPU 304 does not detect that the power supply is cut off), the step is performed. The process proceeds to S107. Even when the predetermined value (9 V) is not yet reached immediately after the power is turned on, the process returns to step S103, and step S105 is repeatedly executed until the supply voltage becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value.

  In step S107, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a process for setting a numerical value for determining a cycle for executing a main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, in the counter timer 312 and a predetermined port of the I / O 310 (for example, a test output port, A process of outputting a clear signal from the output port to the first sub control unit 400, a setting for permitting writing to the RAM 308, and the like are performed.

  In step S109, it is determined whether or not to return to the state before power interruption (before power interruption), and the state before power interruption is not restored (when the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300 is set to the initial state). ) Proceeds to an initialization process (step S113).

  Specifically, first, a RAM clear signal that is transmitted when an RWM clear switch 180 provided on the power supply board 182 shown in FIG. 2 is operated by a store clerk or the like is on (indicating that there has been an operation). If the RAM clear signal is ON (RAM clear is necessary), the process goes to step S113 to set the basic circuit 302 to the initial state. move on. On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is OFF (when the RAM clear is not necessary), the power status information stored in the power status storage area provided in the RAM 308 is read, and the power status information is information indicating suspend. It is determined whether or not. If the power status information is not information indicating suspend, the process proceeds to step S113 to set the basic circuit 302 to an initial state. If the power status information is information indicating suspend, a predetermined area of the RAM 308 is set. A checksum is calculated by adding all the 1-byte data stored in (for example, all areas) to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0, and the calculated checksum results in a specific value (for example, 0) (whether or not the checksum result is normal). When the checksum result is a specific value (eg, 0) (when the checksum result is normal), the process proceeds to step S111 to return to the state before the power interruption, and the checksum result is a specific value. If the value is other than 0 (for example, 0) (if the result of the checksum is abnormal), the process proceeds to step S113 to set the pachinko machine 100 to the initial state. Similarly, when the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S111, power recovery processing is performed. In this power recovery process, the value of the stack pointer stored in the stack pointer save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power failure is read out and reset to the stack pointer (this setting). In addition, the value of each register stored in the register save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power interruption is read out and reset in each register, and then the interrupt permission is set. Thereafter, as a result of the CPU 304 executing the control program based on the reset stack pointer and registers, the pachinko machine 100 returns to the state when the power is turned off. That is, the processing is restarted from the instruction next to the instruction (predetermined in steps S115 and S117) performed immediately before branching to the timer interrupt process (described later) immediately before the power interruption. A RAM 308 mounted on the basic circuit 302 in the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with a transmission information storage area. In step S111, a power recovery command is set in the transmission information storage area. This power recovery command is a command indicating that the power has been restored to the state at the time of power-off, and is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 in step S233 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300 described later.

  In step S113, initialization processing is performed. In this initialization process, interrupt prohibition setting, stack initial value setting to the stack pointer (this setting), initialization of all storage areas of the RAM 308, and the like are performed. Further, here, a normal return command is set in the transmission information storage area provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. This normal return command is a command indicating that the initialization process (step S113) of the main control unit 300 has been performed, and in the same way as the power recovery command, in step S233 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, 1 is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400.

  In step S115, after setting for prohibition of interruption, a basic random number initial value update process is performed. In this basic random number initial value update process, two initial value generation random number counters for generating the initial values of the ordinary figure winning random number counter and the special figure random value counter, the ordinary figure timer random number value, and the special figure timer, respectively. Two random number counters for generating each random number value are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as normal timer random numbers is 0 to 20, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal timer random value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 21, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other initial value generation random number counters and random number counters are similarly updated. Further, after this basic random number initial value update process is completed, an interrupt permission is set and the process proceeds to step S117.

  In step S117, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated. The RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 has a special figure 1 notice lottery random number counter for generating a special figure 1 notice lottery random number value that can take a value in the range from 0 to 127, and a special figure that can take a value in the range from 0 to 127. 2 A special figure 2 notice lottery random number counter for generating a notice lottery random number value is provided. In step S117, the values of these counters are updated.

  The main control unit 300 repeatedly executes the processes of step S115 and step S117 except during a timer interrupt process that starts at predetermined intervals.

<Main control unit timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  The main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 4 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The part timer interrupt process is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S201, a timer interrupt start process is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step S203, the WDT 314 is periodically changed to the initial value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) so that no WDT interruption occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step S205, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the various sensors 320 shown in FIG. 4 are input via the input port of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 320 is partitioned in the RAM 308. Store in the provided signal state storage area. If the detection signal of the sphere detection sensor is described as an example, information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected in the timer interruption process (about 4 ms before) is stored in the RAM 308 for each sphere detection sensor. This information is read out from the previous detection signal storage area partitioned and stored in the RAM 308 in the previous detection signal storage area partitioned for each sphere detection sensor, and the previous timer interrupt processing (about 2 ms before) ) Is read from the current detection signal storage area provided for each sphere detection sensor in the RAM 308, and this information is read out from the previous detection signal storage area described above. To remember. Further, the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected this time is stored in the above-described current detection signal storage area.

  Further, in step S205, the information on the presence or absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor stored in each storage area of the above-mentioned detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area is compared. It is determined whether or not the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times in the ball detection sensor matches the winning determination pattern information. This main control unit timer interrupt process that is repeatedly started at a very short interval of about 2 ms while one game ball passes one ball detection sensor is started several times. For this reason, every time the main control unit timer interrupt process is activated, in step S205 described above, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is confirmed. As a result, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is stored in each of the detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area. That is, when the game ball starts to pass through the ball detection sensor, there is no detection signal before, a previous detection signal, and a current detection signal. In the present embodiment, in consideration of erroneous detection of the sphere detection sensor and noise, it is determined that there is a prize when the detection signal is stored twice continuously after no detection signal. The ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 4 stores winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is no previous detection signal, that there is a previous detection signal, and that there is a current detection signal). In this step S205, information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times in each sphere detection sensor is predetermined winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, no previous detection signal, previous detection signal, current detection signal present). In the case of the general winning port 226, the variable winning port 234, the first special figure starting port 230, and the second special figure starting port 232, or the ordinary drawing starting port 228. Is determined to have passed. In other words, it is determined that there has been a winning at these winning ports 234, 230 and the starting ports 230, 232, 228. For example, when the information on the presence / absence of the detection signals for the past three matches with the above-described winning determination pattern information in the general winning opening sensor for detecting the winning at the general winning opening 226, there is a winning at the general winning opening 226. If the information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times does not match the above-described winning determination pattern information, the subsequent general winnings are performed. The process branches to the subsequent process without performing the process associated with winning the prize to the mouth 226. Note that the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 stores winning determination clear pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is a detection signal before the previous time, no previous detection signal, and no current detection signal). After it is determined that there has been a single win, it is not determined that there has been a win until the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times matches the winning determination clear pattern information in each ball detection sensor, and the winning determination is cleared. If it matches the pattern information, it is next determined whether or not it matches the winning determination pattern information.

  In step S207 and step S209, basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing are performed. In these basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing, the value of the initial value generation random number counter performed in step S115 is updated, and then the normal winning random number value used in the main control unit 300, Two random number counters for generating the special figure 1 random value and the special figure 2 random value are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as a random number value for a normal winning number is 0 to 100, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal winning random number value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. If it is determined that the random number counter has made one round as a result of adding 1 to the acquired value, the value of the initial value generating random number counter corresponding to each random number counter is acquired and stored in the storage area of the random number counter. set. For example, a value is acquired from a random number counter for generating a regular winning random number that fluctuates in a numerical range of 0 to 100, and a result obtained by adding 1 to the acquired value is stored in a predetermined initial value storage area provided in the RAM 308. If the value is equal to the previously set initial value (for example, 7), the value is acquired as an initial value from the initial value generation random number counter corresponding to the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal number, The initial value set this time is stored in the above-described initial value storage area in order to determine that the random number counter for generating the winning random number value has made one round next time, in addition to setting it in the random number counter for generating the winning random value Keep it. Further, apart from the above-described initial value storage area for determining that the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal signal has made one round next, it is determined that the random number counter for generating the special figure random number has made one round. An initial value storage area is provided in the RAM 308. In the present embodiment, the counter for acquiring the random number value of FIG. 1 and the counter for acquiring the random value of FIG. 2 are separately provided, but the same counter may be used.

  In step S211, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated. Here, the random number counter for generating the effect random number performed in step S117 is updated. The values of the special figure 1 notice lottery random number counter and the special figure 2 notice lottery random number counter described above are updated in this step S211.

  In step S213, timer update processing is performed. In this timer update processing, the normal symbol display symbol update timer for timing the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped on the normal symbol display device 210, and the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 212 are timed. Special symbol 1 display symbol update timer for performing, special symbol 2 display symbol update timer for measuring the time for the symbol to be changed and stopped on the second special symbol display device 214, a predetermined winning effect time, a predetermined opening time Various timers including a timer for measuring a predetermined closing time, a predetermined end effect period, and the like are updated.

  In step S215, winning prize counter update processing is performed. In this winning opening counter update process, when winning holes 234, 230 and starting holes 230, 232, 228 are won, the RAM 308 stores the winning ball number storage area provided for each winning hole or for each starting hole. The value is read out, 1 is added, and the original prize ball number storage area is set.

  In step S217, a winning acceptance process is performed. In this winning acceptance process, if there is a winning at the first special figure starting port 230 and the number of the special figure 1 variable games on hold is less than four, it corresponds to the first special figure starting port 230. The value is acquired from the counter value storage register of the counter circuit 318 as a special figure 1 winning random value. Further, the value is acquired as a special figure 1 random value from the random number counter for generating the special figure 1 random value, and stored in the random value storage area provided in the RAM 308 together with the special figure 1 winning random value. Further, when there is a prize at the first special figure starting port 232 and the number of the special figure 2 variable games held is less than four, the counter circuit 318 corresponding to the second special figure starting port 232 A value is acquired from the counter value storage register as a special figure 2 winning random value. Further, a value is acquired as a special figure 2 random value from the random number counter for generating the special figure 2 random value, and stored in the random value storage area provided in the RAM 308 together with the special figure 2 winning random value. Furthermore, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the general figure starting port 228, and the number of the general figure variable games held is less than two, a random number counter for generating a normal figure winning random number value at that timing Is obtained as a random number value for winning a normal figure, and stored in a random number value storage area provided in the RAM 308 different from that for the special figure. Further, in this winning acceptance process, the first special figure starting port 230, the second special figure starting port 232, the ordinary drawing starting port 228, or the variable winning port 234 are awarded (balls) by a predetermined ball detection sensor. When detected, transmission information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 includes the first special figure starting port 230, the second special figure starting port 232, the general figure starting port 228, and the variable winning port 234 winning ( Set the winning acceptance information indicating the presence or absence of (entering).

  In step S219, a payout request number transmission process is performed. The output schedule information and the payout request information output to the payout control unit 600 shown in FIG. 4 are composed of 1 byte, and strobe information (indicating that data is set when turned on) in bit 7; Bit 6 indicates power-on information (when ON, indicates that the command is transmitted for the first time after power-on), bits 4-5 indicate the current processing type (0-3) for encryption, and bits 0-3 Indicates the number of payout requests after encryption processing.

  In step S221, a normal state update process is performed. This normal state update process performs one of a plurality of processes corresponding to the normal state. For example, in the normal state update process in the middle of the normal symbol display (the above-described general symbol display symbol update timer value is 1 or more), the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is repeatedly turned on and off. Turns off drive control. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 performs a usual fluctuation display (ordinary figure fluctuation game).

  Also, in the normal state update process at the timing when the normal symbol change display time has elapsed (the timing at which the value of the general symbol display symbol update timer has changed from 1 to 0), if the hit flag is on, the hit symbol is displayed. The normal symbol display device 210 is controlled so that the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is turned on / off, and when the hit flag is off, the normal symbol display device 210 is configured to display the off symbol. 7 segment LED on / off drive control is performed. Further, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with a setting area for performing various settings in various processes, not limited to the normal state update process. Here, the above-described lighting / extinguishing drive control is performed, and the setting area is set to indicate that the normal stop display is being performed. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 determines the symbol of either the winning symbol (the common symbol A shown in FIG. 5C) or the off symbol (the universal symbol B shown in FIG. 5C). Display. Thereafter, information indicating the stop period is set in a storage area of a normal stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 msec). With this setting, the symbol that has been confirmed and displayed is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the player is notified of the result of the normal game.

  Further, if the result of the usual figure variable game is a hit, the usual figure hit flag is turned on as will be described later. When the usual figure hit flag is on, in the usual figure state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (when the usual figure stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), The normal operation is set in the setting area, and the blade member 2321 is opened to a solenoid (332) for opening and closing the blade member 2321 of the second special figure starting port 232 for a predetermined opening period (for example, 2 seconds). And a signal indicating the open period is set in the storage area of the blade open time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  In the usual state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the value of the blade opening time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the blade member has a predetermined closing period (for example, 500 milliseconds). A signal for holding the blade member 2321 in the closed state is output to the open / close drive solenoid (332) of 2321, and information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the blade closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  Further, in the normal state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined closing period ends (when the value of the blade closing time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the non-operating state is set in the setting area of the RAM 308. To do. Further, if the result of the usual figure variable game is out of play, the usual figure out flag is turned on as will be described later. When the usual figure off flag is on, even in the usual figure state update process at the timing when the above-mentioned predetermined stop display period ends (when the value of the usual figure stop time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), In the setting area of the RAM 308, normal operation inactive is set. In the general state update process in the case where the general map is not operating, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step S223.

  In step S223, a general drawing related lottery process is performed. In this general map-related lottery process, the open / close control of the general map variable game and the second special map start port 232 is not performed (the state of the general map is not in operation), and the pending general map variable game is not held. When the number is 1 or more, it is decided whether to win or not to win the result of the variable figure game by random lottery based on the random number value stored in the random number value storage area. When the winning judgment is made and the winning is made, the winning flag provided in the RAM 308 is set to ON. If unsuccessful, turn off the winning flag. Regardless of the result of the hit determination, next, the value of the random number counter for generating the normal figure timer random value is acquired as the normal figure timer random value, and a plurality of variable times are obtained based on the acquired normal figure timer random value. One time is selected for variably displaying the normal map on the general map display device 210, and this variable display time is stored as a normal map variable display time in a general map variable time storage area provided in the RAM 308. In addition, the number of pending general figure variable games is stored in the usual figure pending number storage area provided in the RAM 308, and from the number of pending custom figure variable games each time a hit determination is made. The value obtained by subtracting 1 is re-stored in the usual figure number-of-holds storage area. Also, the random number value used for the hit determination is deleted.

  Next, the special figure state update process for each of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 is performed. First, the special figure state update process (the special figure 2 state update process) for the special figure 2 is performed (step S225). In the special figure 2 state update process, one of the following eight processes is performed in accordance with the state of the special figure 2. For example, in the special figure 2 state update process in the middle of the special figure 2 fluctuation display (the value of the above-mentioned special figure 2 display symbol update timer is 1 or more), the 7-segment LED constituting the second special symbol display device 214 is turned on. Performs lighting / extinguishing drive control that repeatedly turns off. By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 performs the variable display of the special figure 2 (special figure 2 variable game).

  Further, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 includes a 15R big hit flag, a 2R big hit flag, a first small hit flag, a second small hit flag, a first off flag, a second off flag, a special figure probability variation flag, and a normal figure. A flag for each probability variation flag is prepared. In the special figure 2 state update process starting at the timing when the special figure 2 fluctuation display time has elapsed (the timing when the special figure 2 display symbol update timer value has changed from 1 to 0), the 15R big hit flag is on, and the special figure probability fluctuation When the flag is also on and the normal figure probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure A, 15R jackpot flag shown in FIG. 5A is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is off, and the common figure probability fluctuation flag is on. When the special figure B, 2R big hit flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is on, and the general figure probability fluctuation flag is also on, the special figure C, 2R big hit flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is off, When the probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure D, 2R jackpot flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is on, and when the common figure probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure E, 2R jackpot flag is on, special chart Probability flag is off, normal When the rate fluctuation flag is also off, the special figure F, when the first small hit flag is on, the special figure G, when the second small hit flag is on, the special figure H, and the first off flag are on. In such a case, the 7-segment LED constituting the second special symbol display device 214 is controlled to be turned on / off so that the special figure I and the second off flag are turned on, respectively, so that the special figure I is in the respective mode. A setting indicating that the special figure 2 stop display is in progress is made in the setting area of the RAM 308. By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 has a 15R special jackpot symbol (special symbol A), a 15R jackpot symbol (special symbol B), a sudden probability variation symbol (special symbol C), and a sudden time-short symbol symbol (special symbol). D), hidden probability variation (special E), suddenly normal (special F), first small hit (special G), second small hit (special H), first off symbol (special) Any one of the symbols I) and the first off-set symbol (special symbol J) is confirmed and displayed. After that, information indicating the stop period is set in the storage area of the special figure 2 stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 milliseconds). With this setting, the specially displayed special figure 2 is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the result of the special figure 2 variable game is notified to the player. In addition, if the time reduction number stored in the time reduction number storage unit provided in the RAM 308 is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted from the time reduction number, and if the subtraction result becomes 1 to 0, the special figure probability is changing. If not (details will be described later), the time reduction flag is turned off. Further, the hourly flag is also turned off during the big hit game (in the special game state).

  In addition, in order to execute the general command rotation stop setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S233), 4H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the transmission information storage area described above, and the variable display is stopped. The special figure 2 identification information indicating that is special figure 2 is additionally stored in the RAM 308 as information to be included in command data, which will be described later, and the processing is terminated.

  If the result of the special figure 2 variable game is a big hit, as will be described later, the big hit flag is turned on at the start of the special figure 2 variable game. When the jackpot flag is on, in the special figure 2 state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (the timing when the special figure 2 stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the RAM 308 In the setting area, the special figure 2 is in operation and waits for a predetermined winning effect period (for example, 3 seconds), that is, a period during which an image for notifying the player that the big win by the decorative symbol display device 208 is started is displayed. Therefore, information indicating the winning effect period is set in the storage area of the special figure 2 standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Further, 5H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command winning effect setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S233).

  Further, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined winning effect period ends (the timing when the value of the special figure 2 standby time management timer changes from 1 to 0), a predetermined release period (for example, 29 seconds) Or until a winning of a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) is detected in the variable winning opening 234.) The door is connected to the solenoid (332) for opening and closing the door member 2341 of the variable winning opening 234 shown in FIG. A signal for holding the member 2341 in the open state is output, and information indicating the open period is set in the storage area of the door open time management timer provided in the RAM 308. In addition, 7H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the transmission information storage area described above in order to execute the general command big prize opening setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S233).

  In the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the door opening time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the predetermined closing period (for example, 1.5 seconds) A signal for holding the door member 2341 in a closed state is output to a solenoid (332) for opening and closing the door member 2341 of the variable prize opening 234, and a closing period is stored in a storage area of a door closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Set the information indicating. Further, 8H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command big prize closing closing transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S233).

  In addition, in the special figure 2 state update process that is started at the end timing, the opening / closing control of the door member 2341 is repeated a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 15 rounds or 2 rounds). ) That is, the effect standby in the storage area of the effect standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to set to wait for the period during which the image for informing the player that the big hit by the decorative symbol display device 208 is ended is displayed. Set information indicating the period. Also, if the normal probability fluctuation flag is set to ON, at the same time as the end of the big hit game, the time reduction number 100 is set in the time reduction number storage unit provided in the RAM 308, and the time reduction flag provided in the RAM 308 is set. Turn on. If the usual time probability variation flag is set to OFF, the time reduction number is not set in the time reduction number storage unit, and the time reduction flag is not turned ON. The short time here means that the pachinko machine 100 is in an advantageous state for the player in order to shorten the time from the end of the big hit in the special figure variable game to the start of the next big hit. If the short time flag is set to ON at this time, it is a normal high probability state. In the ordinary high probability state, compared to the ordinary low probability state, if the common figure variable game is hit, there is a high possibility that the variation time will be shortened. Also, the fluctuation time of the normal figure variable game is shorter in the normal figure high probability state than in the normal figure low probability state. Further, in the normal high-probability state, the opening time in one opening of the pair of blade members 2321 of the second special start port 232 tends to be longer than in the normal low-probability state. In addition, the pair of blade members 2321 are more likely to open in the normal figure high probability state than in the usual figure low probability state. In addition, as described above, the hourly flag is set to off during the big hit game (in the special game state). Therefore, the normal low probability state is maintained during the big hit game. This is because if the game is in a high probability state during a big hit game, a large number of games will be placed in the second special figure starting port 232 until a predetermined number of game balls are entered during the big win game. There is a problem that a ball enters and the number of game balls that can be acquired during a big hit increases, resulting in an increase in euphoria. This is to solve this problem.

  Furthermore, 6H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command end effect setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S233).

  In the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined end production period ends (the timing when the production standby time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the special figure 2 is not activated in the setting area of the RAM 308. Set medium. Further, if the result of the special figure 2 variable game is out of place, the out-of-game flag is turned on as will be described later. In the case where the miss flag is on, even in the special figure 2 state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period described above ends (the timing when the special figure 2 stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), In the setting area of the RAM 308, special figure 2 inactive is set. In the special figure 2 state update process when the special figure 2 is not in operation, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step S227.

  Subsequently, special figure state update processing (special figure 1 state update process) for special figure 1 is performed (step S227). In the special figure 1 state update process, each process described in the special figure 2 state update process is performed according to the state of the special figure 1. Each process performed in the special figure 1 state update process is the same as the process in which “special figure 2” in the contents described in the special figure 2 state update process is replaced with “special figure 1”. Omitted. The order of the special figure 2 state update process and the special figure 1 state update process may be reversed.

  When the special figure state update process in step S225 and step S227 is completed, a special figure related lottery process for each of special figure 1 and special figure 2 is performed. Also here, first, the special figure related lottery process (special figure 2 related lottery process) for special figure 2 is performed (step S229). In the special figure 2 related lottery processing, the special figure 1 variable game, the special figure 2 dynamic game, and the variable winning opening 234 are not controlled (the state of both the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 is inactive), In addition, when the number of the special figure 2 variable games on hold is 1 or more, among the lottery using the jackpot determination table, the high probability state transition determination table, the timer number determination table, etc., the jackpot determination is first performed. Do. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the special figure 2 winning random number value stored in the random value storage area in step S217 is within the numerical range of the lottery data for the special figure starting port in the jackpot determination table. When the random number value is within the numerical range of the lottery data for the special figure 2 starting opening, it is determined that the special figure 2 variable game is won, and information indicating that the big hit flag storage area provided in the RAM 308 is a big hit is set. (Here, setting the jackpot information in the RAM 308 is setting the jackpot flag to ON). When the big hit flag is set to ON, the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment is in a state that is relatively advantageous to the player after the special figure 2 variable game (for example, a state in which the player can enter the variable winning opening 234). Become. On the other hand, if the special figure 2 winning random number value is outside the numerical range of the special figure 2 starting point lottery data, it is determined that the special figure 2 variable game is out of play and the big hit flag storage area provided in the RAM 308 is out of place. (Here, setting the out-of-order information in the RAM 308 is setting the jackpot flag off). When the big hit flag is set to OFF, the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment is in a relatively unfavorable state for the player (for example, a state where it is not possible to enter the variable winning opening 234). Or continue to be relatively unfavorable. Note that the number of the special figure 2 variable game being held is stored in the special figure 2 variable number storage area provided in the RAM 308. Each time a hit determination is made, the special figure 2 variable game being held is stored. The value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number is stored again in this special figure 2 reserved number storage area. In addition, the random number value used for the hit determination is deleted.

  If the big hit flag is set to ON, the probability variation transition determination is performed next. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the special figure 2 random value stored in the random value storage area in step S217 is within the numerical range of the transition determination data, and the special figure 2 random value is within the numerical range of the transition determination data. In some cases, information indicating that the special big hit game is started is set in the storage area of the probability variation (probability variation) flag provided in the RAM 308. (Here, setting the special jackpot game start information in the RAM 308 is referred to as setting the probability variation flag to ON). On the other hand, when the special figure 2 random number value is outside the numerical range of the lottery data, information indicating that the big hit game is started is set in the storage area of the probability variation flag (here, the information on the big hit game start) Is set in the RAM 308, the probability variation flag is set to OFF).

  Regardless of the result of the big hit determination, the process for determining the timer number is performed next. Specifically, the value of the random counter for generating the special figure timer random value described above is acquired as the special figure timer random value. For each value of the big hit flag, a timer number corresponding to a numerical range of timer random numbers including a special-purpose timer random number value is selected and stored in a predetermined timer number storage area provided in the RAM 308. Further, the fluctuation time corresponding to the timer number is stored in the above-mentioned special figure 2 display symbol update timer as the special figure 2 fluctuation display time, and the general command rotation start setting transmission process is performed in the command setting transmission process (step S233). In order to execute it, 1H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the transmission information storage area described above, and then the process ends.

  Subsequently, a special figure related lottery process (special figure 1 related lottery process) for special figure 1 is performed (step S231). The special figure 1 related lottery process is the same as the process in which “special figure 2” in the contents described in the special figure 2 related lottery process is replaced with “special figure 1”, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  The CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 that executes the special figure 2 related lottery process (step S229) and the special figure 1 related lottery process (step S231) corresponds to an example of the lottery means in the present invention.

  Even if the start condition of the special figure 2 variable game and the start condition of the special figure 1 variable game are satisfied at the same time by the main control unit 300 performing the special figure 2 related lottery process before the special figure 1 related lottery process. Since the special figure 2 variable game is changing first, the special figure 1 variable game does not start changing. Further, the notification of the result of the jackpot determination of the special figure variable game by the decorative symbol display device 208 is performed by the first sub-control unit 400, and the lottery result of the lottery based on the winning at the second special figure starting port 232 is notified. However, it is performed in preference to the notification of the lottery result of the lottery based on the winning at the first special figure starting port 230.

  In step S233, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 -14 are command types (in this embodiment, commands such as basic command, symbol variation start command, symbol variation stop command, winning effect start command, end effect start command, jackpot round number designation command, power recovery command, RAM clear command, etc. Information that can specify the type), bits 0 to 10 are composed of command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

  Specifically, the strobe information is turned on and off in the command transmission process described above. If the command type is a symbol variation start command, the command data includes information such as the value of the 15R jackpot flag or 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, the timer number selected in the special figure related lottery process, and the like. In the case of the symbol variation stop command, the value of the 15R jackpot flag, the 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, and the like are included. In the case of a jackpot round number designation command, the value of the special variation probability flag, the number of jackpot rounds, and the like are included. When the command type indicates a basic command, device information in the command data, presence / absence of winning at the first special figure starting port 230, presence / absence of winning at the second special figure starting port 232, winning of the variable winning port 234 Includes presence or absence.

  In the general command rotation start setting transmission process described above, the value of the 15R big hit flag and 2R big hit flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, the special figure related lottery process, and the special figure stored in the RAM 308 as command data 2. Information indicating the timer number selected in the related lottery process, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game held, etc. is set. In the above-described general command rotation stop setting transmission process, information indicating the values of the 15R big hit flag, 2R big hit flag, special figure probability variation flag, etc. stored in the RAM 308 is set in the command data. In the above-described general command winning effect setting transmission process, the command data stored in the RAM 308, the effect control information output to the decorative symbol display device 208, various lamps 442, and the speaker 120 during the winning effect period, the special figure probability variation Information indicating the value of the flag, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game held, etc. is set. In the above-described general command end effect setting transmission process, command control data stored in the RAM 308, effect control information output to the decorative symbol display device 208, the various lamps 442, and the speaker 120 during the effect standby period, the special figure probability variation Information indicating the value of the flag, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game held, etc. is set. In the general command big prize opening release transmission process described above, the number of big hits stored in the RAM 308 in the command data, the value of the special figure probability fluctuation flag, the first special figure fluctuation game or the second special figure fluctuation held. Information indicating the number of games is set. In the above-mentioned general command big prize opening closing setting transmission process, the number of big hit rounds stored in the RAM 308 in the command data, the value of the special figure probability fluctuation flag, the first special figure fluctuation game or the second special figure fluctuation held Information indicating the number of games is set. In step S233, general command special figure hold increase processing is also performed. In this general command special figure pending increase process, special figure identification information (information showing special figure 1 or special figure 2) stored in the transmission information storage area of the RAM 308, command notice information (preliminary notice information, false) Set either advance notice information or no advance notice information).

  In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step S235, an external output signal setting process is performed. In the external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 350 separate from the pachinko machine 100 via the information output circuit 336 shown in FIG.

  In step S237, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors stored in the signal state storage area in step S205 are read, and the presence or absence of a front frame door opening error or a bottom pan full error is monitored. Device information indicating whether or not there is a front frame door open error or a lower plate full error is set in the transmission information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 when a lower plate full error is detected. Also, the various solenoids 332 shown in FIG. 4 are driven to control the opening / closing of the second special figure starting port 232 and the variable winning port 234, and the normal symbol display device 210, the first symbol display device 324, the display circuit 324, 326, 330. Display data to be output to the first special figure display device 212, the second special figure display device 214, the various status display units 328, and the like is set in the output port of the I / O 310. Further, the output schedule information set in the payout request number transmission process (step S219) is output to the first sub-control unit 400 via the output port (I / O 310).

  In step S239, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S243, and when the low voltage signal is off (when power supply cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S241.

  In step S241, timer interrupt end processing is performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S201 is set in each original register, interrupt permission is set, etc., and then the main control unit main process shown in FIG. Return to.

On the other hand, in step S243, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 as return data, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.
<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
The process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 5B is a flowchart of the strobe interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 6C is a flowchart of the timer variable update interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in step S301 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, the initial setting in step S301 is executed. In this initial setting, initial setting of the I / O port 410 shown in FIG. 4, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

  In step S303, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 2 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 2. When the timer variable becomes 2 or more, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S305, 0 is substituted into the timer variable.

  In step S307, command processing is performed. The CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 determines whether a command has been received from the main control unit 300.

  In step S309, effect control processing is performed. For example, when there is a new command in S307, processing such as reading the effect data corresponding to this command from the ROM 406 is performed, and when the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data is updated.

  In step S311, when the pressing of the chance button 138 shown in FIG. 1 is detected, the effect data updated in step S309 is changed to effect data corresponding to the pressing of the chance button 138.

  In step S313, if there is a command to the various lamps 442 shown in FIG. 4 in the effect data read in S309, this command is output to the various lamp drive circuits 440 via the serial communication control circuit 420.

  In step S315, if there is a command to the shielding device 246 shown in FIG. 3 or 4 in the effect data read in S309, this command is output to the drive circuit 432 shown in FIG.

  In step S317, if there is a command to the effect movable body 224 shown in FIG. 3 or 4 in the effect data read out in S309, this command is output to the drive circuit 416 shown in FIG.

  In step S319, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read in S309, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step S303.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step S351 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 16 ms). Execute in the cycle.

In step S361 of the first sub control unit timer interrupt process, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S303 in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. Is stored in the timer variable storage area. Accordingly, in step S303, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 2 or more every 32 ms (16 ms × 2).
<Processing of Second Sub-Control Unit 500>
The process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing the flow of command reception processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 8C is a flowchart showing the flow of image control unit error detection processing of the second sub control unit 500.

  The second sub control unit 500 of the present embodiment executes various tasks under an operating system (OS) dedicated to the second sub control unit 500. The three processes of the main process shown in FIG. 9A, the command reception process shown in FIG. 9B, and the image control unit error detection process shown in FIG. 9C constitute the main task.

  First, in step S401 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, the main task is called by the OS, and the initial setting in step S401 located at the head of the main task is executed. In this initial setting, initial setting of the I / O port 510 shown in FIG. 4, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

  Further, the decorative symbol display device 208 shown in FIG. 3 and the like switches the display image (frame) at every predetermined time (here, 1/30 seconds: about 33 ms). That is, the VRAM 561 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with two display areas, a display area A and a display area B (frame buffer), and other storage areas. The display area A and the display area B are both storage areas for temporarily storing image data of an image (one-frame image) to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208. Either one is designated as a drawing area. When the image data of the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed as an image on the decorative design display device 208, the image data is developed (stored) in the display area designated as the drawing area. It is a possible configuration (double buffering method). With such a configuration, by switching (swapping) the designation of the drawing area between the display area A and the display area B, the image to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 can be continuously switched. The basic circuit 502 of the second sub-control unit 500 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with an interval timer that counts up the set time by a signal from the crystal oscillator 514. In the initial setting in step S401, A predetermined interval period length (here, 33 ms) is set as the set time, and the interval timer is started (for example, cleared to 0). In the initial setting process S401, when a signal indicating that a predetermined control unit (for example, the first sub-control 400) has output a control command is received, the command reception process (FIG. 9B) is called. Set.

  Further, various commands are transmitted from a predetermined control unit (for example, the first sub control unit 400) to the second sub control unit 500 in step S319 shown in FIG. In step S401, when the second sub control unit 500 receives a command from the first sub control unit 400, a setting for starting a command reception process described later is performed. Further, when a specific abnormality is detected, such as when the temperature of a predetermined device (for example, the image control unit 560 or the decorative design display device 208) exceeds a predetermined temperature, a specific abnormality is detected such as an image control unit error detection process described later. Set the process to start.

  In step S403, task registration processing is performed. The task registration process will be described in detail later, but one task is registered in one task registration process.

  In step S407, command processing is performed.

  FIG. 10 is a command table showing effect data corresponding to a command received from a predetermined control unit (for example, the first sub-control unit 400).

  This command table is stored in the ROM 506, and effect data is also stored in the ROM 506. An effect start command, an effect stop command, and the like are transmitted from the predetermined control unit (first sub control unit 400) to the second sub control unit 500. The transmitted various commands are stored in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508 as unprocessed commands in a command reception process described later. In step S407, effect data corresponding to the unprocessed command stored in the command storage area is selected from the ROM 506 with reference to the command table shown in FIG. 10, and the selected effect data is stored in a predetermined area (for example, area A) in the RAM 508. To store. For example, when the received command is “production start 01”, “production data 1” is selected, and the “production data 1” is stored in the area A of the RAM 508.

  In step S409, effect control processing is performed.

  FIG. 11A is an effect data table showing effect sets corresponding to the effect data selected in step S407 and the time since the start of the effect based on the effect data.

  This effect data table is stored in the ROM 506, and the effect set is also stored in the ROM 506. In the main process of the second sub-control unit 500 shown in FIG. 9A, steps S407 to S419 are repeatedly executed every predetermined time (33 ms) when the decorative symbol display device 208 switches the display image (frame). The number of executions of step S407 to step S419 corresponds to the number of frames of the decorative symbol display device 208, and the number of frames of the decorative symbol display device 208 is counted by a counter provided in the RAM 508.

  In step S409, first, an effect data table shown in FIG. 11A shows an effect set corresponding to the effect data selected in step S407 and the time (corresponding to the number of frames) after starting the effect based on the effect data. The selected production set is stored in a predetermined area (for example, area B) of the RAM 508. For example, in the case where the effect data selected in step S407 is “effect data 1” and the effect based on the “effect data 1” is 80th frame, the value of the area B in the RAM 508 is not updated. When the number of frames elapses and the 150th frame is reached, the “effect set 112” is stored in the area B of the RAM 508. By doing so, the value of the region B becomes “production set 112”, and the “production set 112” is used from 150 frames.

  FIG. 11B is an effect set table showing image execution data and sound reproduction data corresponding to the selected effect set.

  This effect set table is stored in the ROM 506, and image execution data and sound reproduction data are also stored in the ROM 506. In step S409, subsequently, image execution data and sound reproduction data corresponding to the selected effect set are selected from the ROM 506 with reference to the effect set table shown in FIG. 11B, and the selected image execution data is stored in the RAM 508. The selected sound reproduction data is stored in a predetermined area (for example, area D) of the RAM 508 while being stored in a predetermined area (for example, area C). For example, when the value of area B is “production set 112”, the image execution data is “image execution data 112”. By storing the “image execution data 112” in area C, the value of “area C” is It becomes “image execution data 112”. The sound reproduction data is “sound reproduction data 112”. By storing the “sound reproduction data 112” in the area D, the value of “area D” becomes “sound reproduction data 112”.

  In addition, although the example which selects predetermined information (For example, the production | presentation set shown in FIG.11 (b) etc.) from ROM506 was shown, it is not limited to this, From predetermined time (for example, at the time of initial setting) from ROM506 to RAM508 The predetermined information may be expanded, and the predetermined information expanded in the RAM 508 may be used after the predetermined time.

  In step S411, sound information generation processing is performed.

  FIG. 12A is a sound reproduction data table showing sound information corresponding to the sound reproduction data selected in step S409 and the time from the start of the operation based on the sound reproduction data.

  This sound reproduction data table is stored in the ROM 506, and sound information is also stored in the ROM 506. For example, the sound information represents a phrase, and the sound reproduction data represents a music composed of a plurality of phrases.

  As described above, steps S407 to S419 are repeatedly executed, and the operation based on the sound reproduction data corresponds to the execution of step S411. The time from the start of the operation is the number of frames of the decorative symbol display device 208. Equivalent to. In addition, since the sound information selected in step S411 is transmitted in the next step S413, reproduction is performed. Therefore, the time from the start of the operation is regarded as the time from the start of reproduction. In the sound reproduction data table of FIG. 12A, the reproduction start time is described. In step S411, sound information corresponding to the sound reproduction data selected in step S409 and the reproduction start time (corresponding to the number of frames) is selected from the ROM 506 with reference to the sound reproduction data table shown in FIG. The recorded sound information is stored in a predetermined area (for example, area G) of the RAM 508. For example, if the sound reproduction data selected in step S409 is “sound reproduction data 112” and the reproduction based on the “sound reproduction data 112” is 77th frame, the value of the region G is updated. If the number of frames elapses and the 78th frame is reached, “silence” is stored in the area G. When the number of frames further elapses and the 120th frame is reached, “Sound 2003” is stored in the region G. By doing so, the value of the region G becomes “sound 2003”, “silence” is used from the 78th frame to the 119th frame, and the “sound 2003” is used from the 120th frame.

  In step S413, the value of the area G in the ROM 508 is transmitted to the sound control unit 516 shown in FIG. That is, the sound information shown in FIG. Note that the sound reproduction data remains stored in the area D of the ROM 508.

  In step S415, image information generation processing is performed.

  FIG. 12B is an image execution data table showing image information and processing contents corresponding to the image execution data selected in step S409 and the time from the start of the operation based on the image execution data.

  This image execution data table is stored in the ROM 506, and image information and processing contents are also stored in the ROM 506.

  Here, first, information for driving the decorative symbol display device 208 in the present embodiment is defined.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the definition of information for driving the decorative symbol display device 208 in the present embodiment.

  The decorative symbol display device 208 displays the decorative symbol shown in FIG. 5B and various effect symbols used for the effect. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 13A, the combination of the decorative design shown in FIG. 5B and the effect design may be simply referred to as a design. Further, as will be described in detail later, the decorative design is composed of two images. On the other hand, there are cases where the production pattern is composed of a plurality of patterns or a pattern. In any of these cases, the pattern constituting the effect pattern is composed of a plurality of images. In the following description, a unit constituting a pattern is referred to as an image.

  The pattern information shown in FIG. 13B is made up of bitmap information representing a bitmap (pattern and color) and model information representing a model (shape). Both the bitmap and the model can be regarded as images, and each of the bitmap information and the model information corresponds to an example of the image data referred to in the present invention, and the pattern information obtained by collecting each information is the pattern data referred to in the present invention. It corresponds to an example.

  The drawing information shown in FIG. 13B includes position information about the pattern, size information about the pattern, information pasted to the model of the bitmap, and pattern definition information. In addition, it is good also as image data and picture data said to this invention including this drawing information.

  A plurality of types of picture information and drawing information are stored in the ROM 506 shown in FIG. 4, and the picture information is transferred (transmitted) from the ROM 506 to a predetermined area (eg, display area A, display area B, or other storage area) of the VRAM 561. ) On the other hand, the drawing information is once transferred (transmitted) to the RAM 508 and then transmitted from the RAM 508 to the image control unit 560 (for example, the GPU 562 and the VRAM 561).

  Hereinafter, the pattern information and the drawing information may be collectively referred to as display information.

  The image information shown in FIG. 12A is used to determine which of the plurality of types of pattern information stored in the ROM 506 shown in FIG. 4 is used, or the plurality of types of drawing information stored in the ROM 506 as well. Of these, it is information indicating which drawing information is to be used. There are two types of processing contents, transfer and playback. Transfer is transfer of the picture information stored in the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561 shown in FIG. 4 or the drawing information stored in the ROM 506 is transferred to the RAM 508. Reproducing means transmitting the drawing information transferred to the RAM 508 to the image control unit 560 (for example, the GPU 562).

  The operation based on the image execution data here corresponds to the execution of step S415, and the time from the start of the execution of the operation corresponds to the number of frames of the decorative symbol display device 208. In step S415, image information and processing contents corresponding to the image execution data selected in step S409 and the time (corresponding to the number of frames) from the start of execution of the operation based on the image execution data are shown in FIG. ) And the selected image information is stored in a predetermined area (for example, area E) of the RAM 508, and the selected processing content is stored in a predetermined area (for example, the area F) of the RAM 508. ). For example, the image execution data selected in step S409 is “image execution data 111” corresponding to the “production set 111”, and when the execution of the operation based on the “image execution data 111” is started (time of the 0th frame) ), “Image information 2001” to “image information 2155” and “transfer” are selected from the ROM 506, and the image information is stored in the area E and “transfer” is stored in the area F. Further, as shown in FIG. 11A, when “image execution data 111” is selected according to “effect set 111”, “image execution data 521” is also selected at the same time. At the time when the execution of the operation based on the “image execution data 521” is started (at the 0th frame), “image information 2001” and “playback” are selected from the ROM 506, and “image information 2001” is stored in the area E. At the same time, “play” is stored in area F. “Image information 2001” specifies drawing information. At the time of the 0th frame, the value of the region G is “image information 2001” to “image information 2155”, and the value of the region F is “image information”. The picture information designated by the information 2001 is “transfer” and “reproduction”, and the other drawing information or picture information is “transfer”.

  In step S417, a drawing information transmission process is executed.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the drawing information transmission process in step S417.

  In this drawing information transmission processing, processing is performed in units of images. Both the pattern information and the drawing information shown in FIG. 13B include information on one or a plurality of images. In other words, the picture information includes bitmap information and model information, and the drawing information includes information about pasting the bitmap onto the model and picture definition information. These various types of information (bitmap information, model information, pasting information, and pattern definition information) are information in units of images. The display image displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 is composed of a combination of a bitmap and a model, and a bitmap and a model are prepared for each display image. Hereinafter, image unit information (information combining a bitmap and a model) included in the pattern information is referred to as unit image information, and image unit information included in the drawing information is referred to as drawing image information. Called. As described above, since both the bitmap and the model can be regarded as images, the unit image information corresponds to an example of the picture data referred to in the present invention. Note that the display image displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 is composed of a combination of a bitmap image and a model image. In addition, information (position information and size information) about the pattern included in the drawing information is referred to as drawing pattern information in order to distinguish it from the drawing image information.

  In the drawing information transmission process, first, unit image information corresponding to the drawing image information to be transmitted is written in a predetermined area (for example, display area A, display area B, or other storage area) of the VRAM 561 (transfer is performed). It is determined (whether or not completed) (step S4171). The drawing image information scheduled to be transmitted is transferred to the RAM 508 in the form included in the drawing information based on the value (image information) of the area G in the RAM 508 during the read & write process described later. In the RAM 508, a BM information transfer completion flag is prepared for each bitmap (BM), and a model information transfer completion flag is also prepared for each model. As will be described later, when transfer of one bitmap included in the bitmap information to the VRAM 561 is completed, a BM information transfer completion flag corresponding to the bitmap is turned on. When the transfer of one model included in the model information to the VRAM 561 is completed, the model information transfer completion flag corresponding to the model is turned on. On the RAM 508, the BM information transfer completion flag and the model information transfer completion flag are associated with each image displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208. In step S4171, determination processing is performed with reference to both the BM information transfer completion flag and the model information transfer completion flag that are associated with each other.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the pattern information is directly transferred from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561 without going through the RAM 508. In the present embodiment, the display control unit according to the present invention acquires the pattern data from the ROM 506 corresponding to an example of the pattern data storage unit according to the present invention to the pattern information corresponding to an example of the pattern data according to the present invention. It reaches the VRAM 561. That is, the completion of storing the pattern information in the VRAM 561 corresponds to the acquisition referred to in the present invention. However, the picture information may be transferred from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561 via the RAM 508. Even in this case, the completion of storing the picture information in the VRAM 561 corresponds to the acquisition referred to in the present invention.

  The drawing image information included in the drawing information is associated on the RAM 508 for each image formed by a combination of one or more bitmaps and one or more models. That is, the drawing image information is associated with the unit image information on the RAM 508. If all of the BM information transfer completion flag and the model information transfer completion flag that are associated with each other are turned on (transfer of the unit image information to the VRAM 561 is complete), the drawing image information to be transmitted is transmitted from the RAM 508 to the GPU 562. (Step S4172), the transmitted drawing image information is deleted from the RAM 508 (step S4173), and the process proceeds to step S4175. If the drawing pattern information included in the drawing information including the drawing image information to be transmitted remains on the RAM 508, the drawing pattern information is also transferred from the RAM 508 to the GPU 562 in step S4172. In step S4173, the drawing pattern information is deleted from the RAM 508 together with the transmitted drawing image information. The GPU 562 causes the decorative symbol display device 208 to display an image based on the unit image information transferred to the display area of the VRAM 561 according to the transmitted drawing image information and drawing pattern information.

  If at least one of the associated BM information transfer completion flag and model information transfer completion flag is in an off state (transfer of unit image information to the VRAM 561 is incomplete), the drawing image information to be transmitted is displayed as a transmission failure drawing. The image information is set (step S4174), and the process proceeds to step S4175. In the RAM 508, a transmission failure flag is prepared for each drawing image information scheduled to be transmitted. In step S4174, when the drawing image information scheduled to be transmitted is set as the transmission failure drawing image information, this transmission failure flag is turned on. Means that. The drawing image information set in the transmission failure drawing image information is not transmitted to the GPU 562 in the current drawing information transmission process. That is, in the present embodiment, the image control unit 560 does not display on the decorative symbol display device 208 unless drawing information is transmitted.

  In step S4175, it is determined whether there is drawing image information whose transmission failure flag is in the off state in RAM 508. If there is drawing image information, the process returns to step S4171, and if there is no drawing image information, this drawing information transmission is performed. Processing ends. Here, the drawing image information set as the transmission failure drawing image information is described as being not transmitted to the image control unit 560 (for example, the GPU 562) in the current drawing information transmission process. Unless otherwise specified, the image control unit 560 generally does not transmit the failed drawing image information or drawing pattern information. For example, when the determination in S 4171 is NO, the drawing image information used in the determination in S 4171 among the drawing image information scheduled to be transmitted may be deleted from the RAM 508. In this way, step S4174 becomes unnecessary.

  In step S419 shown in FIG. 9, a synchronization determination process is performed. It waits in this synchronization determination process until the count-up of the interval timer for which the interval period length (33 ms) is set in step S401 reaches the interval period length (33 ms). When the count-up of the interval timer reaches the interval period length (33 ms), it is determined that the decorative symbol display device 208 is synchronized with the timing for switching the display image (frame). If it is determined that synchronization has been achieved, an interval timer for determining whether synchronization has been achieved is started (for example, cleared to 0) in the next synchronization determination processing (step S419), and the above-described display area of the VRAM 561 is displayed. The designation of the drawing area is switched (swap) between A and display area B, and the process returns to step S407. Thereafter, the processing from step S407 to step S419 is repeatedly executed. However, in various tasks including the main process, the task is switched by the OS every 2 ms, although details will be described later. Accordingly, when 2 ms elapses, the main process is temporarily interrupted, another registered task is executed, and then the main process is executed from the step at which it was temporarily interrupted. Note that task switching prohibition is set when step S407 of the main process is executed, task switching permission is set before step S417 is completed and step S419 is executed, and execution from step S407 to step S417 is performed. Some tasks may not be switched.

  Next, command reception processing of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, in step S401 in the main process, when the second sub control unit 500 receives a command from the first sub control unit 400, a setting for starting this command reception process is performed. For this reason, when the second sub-control unit 500 receives a command from the first sub-control unit 400, the OS activates this command reception process. In step S451, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is processed as an unprocessed command. Is stored in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

  Furthermore, the image control unit error processing of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, in step S401 in the main process, there is a setting for starting the image control unit error detection process when the temperature in a predetermined device (for example, the image control unit 560, the decorative design display device 208) exceeds a predetermined temperature. Has been done. If the temperature in a predetermined device (for example, the image control unit 560 or the decorative symbol display device 208) exceeds a predetermined temperature, the predetermined device may ignite, so an error command is sent from the GPU 562 shown in FIG. 4 to the CPU 504. Sent. When the CPU 504 receives this error command, the OS activates the image control unit error detection process, and the image control unit error process is performed in step S461. In the image control unit error process in step S461, the power supply to the predetermined apparatus is forcibly cut off.

  Next, the task registration process in step S403 of the main process will be described. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing a task table created in the RAM 508, and FIG. 15B is a flowchart showing a flow of task registration processing.

  In the task table shown in FIG. 15A, in addition to the “main task” including the main process shown in FIG. The “read & write task” reads predetermined information (for example, display information such as pattern information and drawing information) from the ROM 506 shown in FIG. 4, writes predetermined types of information (for example, pattern information) to the VRAM 561, A predetermined type of information (for example, drawing information) is a task to be written in the RAM 508. More specifically, the read & write task transfers a predetermined type of information to a predetermined storage area of the VRAM 561. Here, when the predetermined storage area is set as the other storage area of the VRAM 561, the GPU 562 displays information on the predetermined type of information stored in the other storage area at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 33 ms). It is stored (drawn) in the display area A or B as necessary. 15A also shows task A, task B,... Task E, and some of these tasks correspond to the OS. Tasks are registered in the task table in order from the top.

The ROM 506 shown in FIG. 4 stores arguments for each task. First, when calling the main process shown in FIG. 9A, which is the “main task”, the OS starts the task registration process shown in FIG. 15B with the following four arguments. The arguments used here are: (1) ROM 506, head address where main processing program is stored, (2) “main task” ID (identification information), (3) “main task” maximum priority Degree (“6”), and (4) a predetermined task (for example, a task that called a registration process to register a main task as a task).
Here, it is “independent” that specifies the shared state of the RAM 508 for the OS or a predetermined task of the OS. The maximum priority is higher as the number is higher, and its maximum value is 10. The priority in the task table shown in FIG. 15A represents the frequency with which the CPU 504 executes a task.

  There are two types of sharing states in the RAM 508: “shared” and “independent”. In the present embodiment, the RAM sharing state is “shared” between the “main task” and the “read & write task”. When these two tasks are viewed from other tasks (such as “task A”), the RAM sharing state is “independent”. For example, if “main task” writes “1” at address 100 of RAM 508, the value is “1” when “read & write task” reads address 100 of RAM 508 thereafter. For example, even if “task A” other than the two reads 100 address of the RAM 508, the value is not always “1”. More specific description will be given below. Here, reading / writing of data with respect to RAM508 is performed via OS, and the physical address of RAM508 is demonstrated as the 0-65535 address.

  "Task A" is assigned to the OS at the time of task registration, for example, physical addresses 1024 to 2047 as virtual RAM. Therefore, when “task A” designates address 0 (virtual address) of the RAM 508, the physical address becomes address 1024.

  For the “main task”, virtual RAM is assigned to the OS, for example, physical addresses 4098 to 5121 at the time of task registration. Therefore, if the “main task” designates the 0 address (virtual address) of the RAM 508, the physical address is 4098.

  For the “read & write task”, virtual RAM is assigned to the OS, for example, physical addresses 4098 to 5121 at the time of task registration. Therefore, if the “read & write task” designates the RAM address 0 (virtual address), the physical address is 4098.

  The “main task” and the “read & write task” have the same physical address range of the virtual RAM assigned to the OS. If the same address (virtual address) of the RAM 508 is designated, the physical address is also set to the same address. Become. Matching the range of the physical addresses of the virtual RAM is referred to as “shared” here. In the “main task” and “read & write task” in which the RAM sharing state is “shared”, the values written in the RAM 508 can be known from each other, and information sharing is possible when necessary.

  On the other hand, “main task” and “task A”, or “read & write task” and “task A” have the same physical address range of the virtual RAM allocated to the OS, and the same address (virtual Even if (address) is specified, the physical address becomes a different address. The fact that the range of the physical address of the virtual RAM does not match is referred to as “the RAM sharing state is independent”. In the “main task” and “task A” in which the RAM sharing state is “independent”, or in the “read & write task” and “task A”, the values written in the RAM 508 cannot be known, but each task The degree of independence is improved, and the influence of one task can be prevented from being affected by the other task.

  In the task registration process shown in FIG. 15B, an argument stored in the ROM 506 of any one task is acquired. For example, in the case of “read & write task”, as the four arguments, (1) the first address in ROM 506 storing a read & write processing program to be described later based on “read & write task”; (2) ID (identification information) of “read & write task”, (3) maximum priority (“3”) of “read & write task”, and (4) a predetermined task (for example, read & write) This is “supply” that specifies the shared state of the RAM 508 for the task that called the registration process to register the task as a task (in this case, the main task). A task program (such as a read & write process program) stored in the ROM 506 is expanded in the RAM 508. Based on the obtained four arguments, the start address of the task program stored in the RAM 508, the task ID (identification information), the maximum priority of the task, and the shared state of the RAM 508 for the main task are shown in FIG. It is newly registered in the task table shown in a) (step S4031).

  Subsequently, “suspend” is set as an initial value in the state of the task registered this time in the task table shown in FIG. 15A (step S4032), and the priority of the task registered this time in the task table is set. The maximum priority is copied each time (step S4033), and the task registration process ends. “Suspend” in the state of a task here means a state in which processing of a task in the “execution” state is temporarily stopped in order to execute processing of another task.

  Next, a task switching process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of task switching processing.

  As described above, task switching by the OS is performed when 2 ms elapses after the task is executed. It is also performed when data is read or written. When data is read or written, it is necessary to wait for a read permission or write permission response from the read destination or the write destination device, and the OS waits for this response while waiting for another response. Switch tasks to execute. Furthermore, even when a task being executed shifts to a process waiting state, the task may self-report task switching to the OS, and task switching by the OS may be performed.

  In the task switching process, first, in the task table shown in FIG. 15A, the state of the task corresponding to the task being executed is set to “suspended” (step S471).

  Subsequently, the state of the task with the highest priority in the task table is set to “execution” (step S472). Here, when there are tasks having the same priority, among the tasks having the same priority, the state of the task having the newest registration order is set to “execution”. That is, as described above, since tasks are registered in the task table in order from the top, among the tasks having the same priority, the state of the task described at the bottom of the task table is set to “execution”. It will be.

  In step S473 following step S472, the priority of the task set to “execute” is decremented by one.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the priority of the task table is 0 for all tasks (step S474). If the priority is 0 for all tasks, the priority of all tasks in the task table is registered in the task table. The maximum priority of the task corresponding to each is copied (step S475), and the process proceeds to step S476. On the other hand, if it is not 0 for all tasks, the process directly proceeds to step S476. For tasks that have been executed so far and will be interrupted when task switching is performed, the position immediately before the interruption (referred to as the previous interruption position) on the program is registered in the task table, and then the state is changed to “interrupt”. Transition. In step S476, the position next to the previous interruption position on the program of the task set to “execute” is registered as a return value in the task table, and the task switching process is terminated. The task newly set to “execute” resumes processing from this return value.

  A specific example of the task switching process described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of parallel processing of a plurality of tasks.

  FIG. 17A shows an example of a task table formed in the RAM 508, and FIG. 17B shows a plurality of tasks executed based on the task table shown in FIG. Parallel processing is shown. FIG. 4B is a diagram in which time elapses from the left side to the right side of the figure.

  The priority of the task table at the start in this example is “3” for task A, “2” for task B, and “1” for task C. In the task switching process shown in FIG. 16, the state of task A is set to “execute” in step S472 (see also the task table shown in FIG. 17A), and the priority of task A is decremented by 1 in step S473. Becomes “2”. When task A is executed and 2 ms (t in FIG. 17B) elapses, the task switching process is performed again. In the task switching process here, there are two tasks with a priority “2” (task A and task B). Therefore, in step S472, among tasks A and B, the status of task B with the newest registration order (the one listed below the task table) is set to “execution”, and in step S473, the task B The priority of B is decremented by 1 and becomes “1”. When 2 ms elapses after the task B is executed, the task switching process is performed again. This time, the task A having the only priority “2” is set to “execute”. In the next task switching process, since the priority of any task is “1”, the state of task C with the newest registration order is set to “execution”. In the subsequent task switching process, among tasks A and B, both of which have a priority of “1”, the state of task B with the new registration order is set to “execution”. In the next task switching process, when the task A having a priority of “1” is set to “execute” and the priority of the task A is minus 1, the priority of any task is also set to “0”. In step S475, the maximum priority of each task registered in the task table is copied to the priority of the corresponding task, the priority of task A is “3”, and the priority of task B is “3”. 2 ”and the priority of task C is“ 1 ”. Thereafter, the parallel processing from the start until now is repeated.

  Next, a read & write process based on the “read & write task” will be described. FIG. 18A is a flowchart showing the flow of read & write processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500.

  In the reading & writing process, first, it is determined whether or not there is unwritten display information (pattern information, drawing information) (step S501), and this step S501 is repeated until unwritten display information appears. Executed. As described above, in the RAM 508, a BM information transfer completion flag is prepared for each bitmap (BM), and a model information transfer completion flag is prepared for each model. In step S504 to be described later, when transfer of one bitmap included in the bitmap information to the VRAM 561 is completed, a BM information transfer completion flag corresponding to the bitmap is turned on. When the transfer of one model included in the model information to the VRAM 561 is completed, the model information transfer completion flag corresponding to the model is turned on. The RAM 508 also has a drawing information transfer completion flag. In step S504, when the drawing information is transferred to the RAM 508, the drawing information transfer completion flag is turned on. As described above, in the image information generation process shown in FIG. 9A, the area G of the RAM 508 stores information specifying design information and drawing information to be used, and the area F of the RAM 508 stores “transfer”. Or “playback” information is stored. When the information “transfer” is stored in the area F of the RAM 508 and the BM information transfer completion flag, the model information transfer completion flag, or the drawing information transfer completion flag is off, there is unwritten display information. The display information reading process is executed (step S502), the display information writing process is further executed (step S503), and the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S504, as described above, when transfer of one bitmap included in the bitmap information from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561 is completed, the BM information transfer completion flag corresponding to the bitmap is turned on. When the transfer of one included model from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561 is completed, the model information transfer completion flag corresponding to the model is turned on. Further, when the transfer of the drawing information from the ROM 506 to the RAM 508 is completed, the drawing information transfer completion flag is turned on. When the execution of step S504 is completed, the process returns to step S501.

  FIG. 18B is a flowchart showing the flow of the display information reading process in step S502 of FIG.

  In the display information reading process, the image information not transferred to the VRAM 561 or the drawing information not transferred to the RAM 508 is read with reference to the region G and the region F of the RAM 508 (step S5021). Reading in step S 5021 means that the head address on the ROM 506 of the untransferred pattern information or drawing information stored in the ROM 506 is written in the register of the basic circuit 502 of the second sub-control unit 500. .

  FIG. 18C is a flowchart showing the flow of the display information writing process in step S503 in FIG.

  In this display information writing process, first, it is determined whether or not the writing destination is the VRAM 561. That is, in step S502, if the information in which the head address is written in the register of the basic circuit 502 is a pattern information as a result of referring to the area G of the RAM 508, the write destination is the VRAM 561, and if the information is drawing information, the write is written. The destination is the RAM 508. If the writing destination is the VRAM 561, the second sub-control unit 500 sets the writing destination address of the drawing area which is a predetermined area (for example, the display area A, the display area B, or other storage area) of the VRAM 561 to be the writing destination. Is written in the register of the basic circuit 502, and the picture information is transferred to the write destination address (step S5032). In step S5032, the pattern information is sequentially transferred from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561 without passing through the RAM 508 in units of images. That is, the image data is sequentially transferred for each unit image information including the bitmap information and the model information. On the other hand, if the write destination is the RAM 508, the write destination address of the RAM 508 serving as the write destination is written to the register of the basic circuit 502 of the second sub-control unit 500, and the drawing information is transferred to the write destination address ( Step S5033). That is, in this step S5033, drawing information is transferred from the ROM 506 to the RAM 508. Thus, it is the “read & write task” that transfers the pattern information to the VRAM 561. On the other hand, as described above, the drawing information is transmitted from the RAM 508 to the image control unit 560 (for example, the VRAM 561 and the GPU 562) is a “main task”, and based on the transmission of the drawing information to the GPU 562, the image control unit Reference numeral 560 displays on the decorative symbol display device 208. In the present embodiment, the acquisition of information necessary for the image control unit 560 to display the decoration symbol display device 208 is divided into a “read & write task” and a “main task”.

  Next, display of a picture on the decorative design display device 208 will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram summarizing the flow until the design is displayed on the decorative design display device 208, particularly focusing on the task.

  As described above, the ROM 506 of the second sub-control unit 500 stores a plurality of picture information. The ROM 506 corresponds to an example of the picture data storage unit referred to in the present invention. The picture information is information composed of bitmap information and model information, but the ROM 506 shown in FIG. 19 shows only a plurality of bitmaps represented by the bitmap information. The ROM 506 also stores a plurality of drawing information, which is not shown in FIG.

  In the basic circuit 502 of the second sub-control unit 500, the main task constituting the process shown in FIG. 9 and the read & write task constituting the process shown in FIG. 18 are registered in the task table shown in FIG. Are working in parallel.

  The picture information is transferred to the VRAM 561 of the image control unit 560 provided in the second sub-control unit 500 by the read & write task (see step S5032 shown in FIG. 18C), and a bit is stored in a predetermined area of the VRAM 561. Maps and models are deployed. Further, drawing information is transferred to the GPU 562 of the image control unit 560 by the main task (see step S4172 shown in FIG. 14). The GPU 562 displays the design based on the design information transferred to the display area of the VRAM 561 on the decorative design display device 208 according to the transmitted drawing information. The image control unit 560 (GPU 562, VRAM 561) corresponds to an example of the display control unit according to the present invention, and the decorative symbol display device 208 corresponds to an example of the display device according to the present invention. The display control unit according to the present invention may include the basic circuit 502, the CPU 504, the I / O 510, the counter timer 512, the RAM 508, and the like shown in FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram summarizing the flow until the design is displayed on the decorative design display device 208, paying particular attention to the design information and the drawing information.

  FIG. 20A shows display information stored in the ROM 506 of the second sub-control unit 500. The display information shown in FIG. 20A includes picture information and drawing information. The pattern information consists of bitmap information and model information. The bitmap information shown in FIG. 20 (a) includes bitmaps C, D, and E each depicting a character's face. Bitmap C is a bitmap depicting the face of a young lord, Bitmap D is a bitmap depicting an elderly face, and Bitmap E is a bitmap depicting a princess's face. The model information includes a line drawing shape A representing a cube and a line drawing shape B representing a triangular pyramid. The drawing information includes position information about the pattern, size information about the pattern, and information about pasting a bitmap onto the model. Note that the drawing information does not include pattern definition information described later. The position information shown in FIG. 20A includes a position A that instructs to display a picture at the center and a position B that instructs to display the picture at the right end. The size information has a size A for instructing to display a picture with a size of 1.5 times, and a size B for instructing to display a design with a size of 0.5 times. The pasting information includes pasting A for instructing to paste the bitmap C on the left side of the shape A, pasting B for instructing to paste the bitmap D on the right side of the shape A, and bitmap E. It has a pasting C for instructing to be pasted on the upper surface of the shape A. Each information includes information other than that described here. For example, the bitmap information includes bitmaps other than the bitmaps C, D, and E, and the pasting information includes information that instructs to paste the bitmap onto the shape B.

  FIG. 20B shows a decorative symbol display device 208. As described above, the pattern information is transferred from the ROM 506 to the display area of the VRAM 561 of the second sub-control unit 500 by the read & write task or the like (see step S5032 shown in FIG. 18C). Here, the picture information having the bitmap information composed of the bitmaps C, D, and E and the model information composed of the shape A is transferred to the VRAM 561. In addition, drawing information is transmitted from the RAM 508 to the GPU 562 of the image control unit 560 by a read & write task (see step S5032 shown in FIG. 18C). Here, drawing information having position information consisting of position A, size information consisting of size A, and pasting information consisting of pasting A, B, and C is transmitted to GPU 562. The GPU 562 synthesizes a picture based on the picture information transferred to a predetermined area of the VRAM 561 according to the received drawing information. The decorative symbol display device 208 shown in FIG. 20B shows the pattern 1 synthesized in this way. The design 1 displayed on the decorative design display device 208 is one, and the design 1 is a cube displaying bitmaps C, D, and E on the surface. That is, it consists of four images (a line drawing representing a face of a young lord, an elderly face, a princess's face, and a cube). From the information point of view, the pattern 1 shown in FIG. 20B is composed of a bitmap C, a bitmap D, a bitmap E, a shape A, a position A, a size A, and a pasting A. It has been done.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example when the bitmap D illustrated in FIG. 20 is not transferred.

  FIG. 21A shows the image control unit 560 of the second sub-control unit 500. At the timing when step S4171 of the drawing information transmission process shown in FIG. 14 is executed, the display area of the VRAM 561 of the image control unit 560 is read from the ROM 506 by the read & write task, from the bitmaps C and E, and the common bitmap. The pattern information including the bitmap information and the model information including the shape A is transferred to the VRAM 561, but the bitmap D is not transferred. The common bitmap is a patternless and one-color image stored in the ROM 506. Corresponding to the common bitmap, the drawing information includes information indicating that the common bitmap is to be pasted on the vacant surface of the shape A. In the RAM 508 of the second sub-control unit 500, the BM information transfer completion flag corresponding to the bitmap C, the BM information transfer completion flag corresponding to the bitmap E, and the BM information transfer completion flag corresponding to the common bitmap are ON. The BM information transfer completion flag corresponding to the bitmap D is in an off state. As a result, step S4172 of the drawing information transmission process shown in FIG. 14 is executed, and the GPU 562 of the image control unit 560 stores the position information consisting of the position A and the size information consisting of the size A shown in FIG. , And drawing information having pasting information including pasting A and C is transmitted. The pasting information transmitted here does not include the pasting B corresponding to the untransferred bitmap D. On the other hand, in step S4172, based on the fact that the BM information transfer completion flag corresponding to the common bitmap is in the ON state, an instruction is given to paste the common bitmap onto the vacant surface of the shape A in the pasting information. Information (common pasting) to be transferred to the GPU 562. As a result, the GPU 562 uses the common bitmap instead of the bitmap C, the bitmap E, the shape A, and the non-transferred bitmap D, and synthesizes the pattern according to the transmitted drawing information (synthesis A). reference).

  FIG. 21B shows a decorative symbol display device 208. In the decorative symbol display device 208 shown in FIG. 21B, the pattern 2 synthesized by the image control unit 560 is displayed, and a common bitmap is originally displayed where the bitmap D is displayed. ing. The common bitmap is not limited to the bitmap D and is an image used instead of the bitmap that has not been transferred. By transferring this common bitmap to the VRAM 561 in preference to the images used for the original effects such as the bitmaps C, D, and E (images depicting the faces of the characters), the common bitmap is transferred. It can be used in place of an untransferred bitmap. The patternless and single color common bitmap has a smaller data capacity than the bitmaps C, D and E on which the faces of the characters are drawn. There is no delay so long as transfer becomes a problem. Note that the common bitmap is not limited to a pattern and a single color image, but may be an image having a data capacity smaller than that of an image used for an original effect.

  In this way, when there is an untransferred bitmap, a common bitmap is displayed instead of the untransferred bitmap, thereby displaying a design that is significantly different from the planned design. It is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged and unpleasant feelings and misunderstandings.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the common bitmap is not stored in the ROM 506.

  FIG. 22A shows the image control unit 560 of the second sub-control unit 500, and FIG. 22B shows the decorative symbol display device 208. In the example shown in FIG. 22 as well, the bitmap D has not been transferred to the VRAM 561 at the timing when step S4171 of the drawing information transmission process shown in FIG. Since the common bitmap is not stored in the ROM 506, the common bitmap is not transferred to the VRAM 561. Further, on the GPU 562 of the image control unit 560, the position information including the position B instructing to display the pattern at the right end as shown in FIG. The drawing information including the size information including the instructed size B and the pasting information including the pasting A and C is transmitted to the GPU 562. The pasting information transmitted here does not include the pasting B corresponding to the untransferred bitmap D, and further does not include the common pasting here. The GPU 562 uses the bitmap C, the bitmap E, and the shape A to synthesize a picture according to the received drawing information (see synthesis B), and the decorative design display device 208 synthesizes the picture with the image control unit 560. The picture 3 is displayed. In the decorative symbol display device 208 shown in FIG. 22B, no image is originally displayed at the place where the bitmap D is displayed. Moreover, the pattern 3 shown in FIG.22 (b) is displayed smaller on the right side than the pattern 2 shown in FIG.21 (b).

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing display information about a pattern different from the pattern shown in FIG.

  The decorative symbol display device 208 shown in FIG. 23A shows “decoration 6” and “decoration 7” which are the decorative symbols shown in FIG. The effect picture shown in FIG. 23A is composed of eight pictures.

  FIG. 23B is a diagram showing each of the eight pictures constituting the effect picture shown in FIG. The production pattern shown in FIG. 23 (a) includes a “main body” pattern, a “claw” pattern, a “right eyebrow” pattern, a “left eyebrow” pattern, a “claw” pattern, a “hand” pattern, a “forefoot sandals” pattern, and It is composed of a “hindfoot sandals” pattern.

  FIG. 23C is a diagram illustrating display information including pattern information and drawing information. Each of the eight patterns such as the “main body” pattern and “髷” pattern shown in FIG. 23B is configured by a bitmap (BM) and a model. A bitmap is a rectangular image composed of a pattern and a color. A model means a shape. Furthermore, the “body” pattern is composed of “face outline”, “right eye”, “left eye”, “nose”, “mouth”, “ear”, “hair”, and “torso”. A model is available.

  Further, “decoration 6” and “decoration 7”, which are the decoration symbols shown in FIG. 5A, are each configured by a bitmap and a model.

  Both bitmaps and models can be viewed as images.

  The drawing information shown in FIG. 23C includes position information about the pattern, size information about the pattern, information pasted to the model of the bitmap, and pattern definition information. The position information and the size information are the same as those shown in FIG.

  A part of the bitmap pasting information to the model is shown in FIG. Pasting A is information instructing to paste a pattern of a predetermined region in the face outline BM at a predetermined position of the face outline shape. That is, it is information that instructs to paste the face outline BM in accordance with the face outline shape. Paste information includes paste for “6”, paste for “7”, paste for “left eye”, paste for “right eye”, paste for “right eyebrow”, FIG. 23 (c), “left eyebrow”, “nose”, “mouth”, “ear”, “ear”, “hair” Pasting, pasting about “heel”, pasting about “torso”, pasting about “hand”, pasting about “front foot sandals”, and pasting about “back foot sandals” are also prepared.

  The picture definition information includes a picture definition of “decoration 6”, a picture definition of “decoration 7”, and eight picture definitions related to “bad actor”. The picture definition information is information that defines the correspondence between the bitmap and the model.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing eight picture definitions related to “bad actor”.

  The eight picture definitions shown in FIG. 24 are information specifying the correspondence between the bitmap and the model for each of the eight pictures constituting the character design picture with the evil character as the motif shown in FIG. is there. In addition, in the picture definition of “main body” which is one of these eight picture definitions, the correspondence between eight bitmaps and models constituting the “main body” is defined.

  FIG. 25 shows the display screen of the decorative symbol display device when the special figure variation game is started and the reach effect is made in the pachinko machine of this embodiment in the order of (a), (b), (c). It is the figure shown in time series.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, when the special figure changing game is started, the left decorative design, the middle decorative design, and the right decorative design of the decorative design display device 208 each start a variable display. Thereafter, a reach effect may be made before the combination of decorative symbols is stopped and displayed. Reach production includes normal reach, normal reverse reach, short reach, long reach, long reverse reach, special long reach, double line reach, triple line reach, full turn reach, special full turn reach and so on. In the example shown in FIG. 25, the reach effect of normal reach is performed. In normal reach, generally, a decorative symbol in which two symbol display areas (for example, left and right symbol display areas 208a and 208c) are equal is stopped and the remaining one symbol display area (for example, a middle symbol display area 208b) is variably displayed. That is, that is, when the stop symbol indicating that the result of the lottery is a result advantageous to the player is a specific combination of a plurality of symbols, the decorative symbol display device 208 includes a part of the specific combination. Is displayed, and it is determined whether or not the above specific combination is established in the display mode in which the symbols that have not yet been stopped display are fluctuating, in other words, in the stop mode of the remaining one symbol that is variably displayed. It is a state. When the reach effect is performed, the player's expectation is improved, but in the example shown in FIG. 25, a notice effect is also performed to further increase the player's expectation. In this notice effect, the scenes of the battle between Tonosama and the villain are displayed. Specifically, after starting the decorative symbol variation display, whether or not to set a predetermined lottery process (for example, lottery process described in S229 or S231, information indicating that a big hit is stored in the big hit flag storage area of the RAM 308) The lottery result of at least a specific result (such as a lottery process for determining whether or not to select a combination of jackpot symbols as a combination of three decorative symbols at the time of stopping the variation display of decorative symbols) For example, if it is a predetermined jackpot, indicates that a jackpot game is to be started, or if it is decided to select a combination of predetermined jackpot symbols), a specific character (for example, bad guy and lord) After a predetermined scene including the competition scene (for example, a competition scene in which an evil agent and Tono-sama compete) (see FIGS. 25 (a) and 25 (b))) In addition to displaying an image based on the win scenario that reaches the scene that goal first (see FIGS. 25 (c) and 25 (d)), the lottery result of the lottery process described above is a result other than a specific result (for example, In the case of indicating that it is out of place, in the case of a combination of predetermined out-of-order symbols, etc., it is not possible to reach the winning decision scene (for example, a scene in which the bad actor first finishes in the race (not shown) ) Is displayed based on the scenario for losing. Further, an example is shown in which after the winning settlement scene or the off-set settlement scene is displayed, a combination of three decorative symbols corresponding to the lottery result of the lottery process described above is stopped (for example, FIG. 25 (e)).

  In FIG. 25A, a reach effect is displayed. In other words, “decoration 7” 61 is displayed as the left decorative symbol, and “decoration 7” 62 is also displayed as the right decorative symbol, and the middle decorative symbol is in a variable display. This reach production continues until FIG. Further, on the starboard side of the display screen 2080 shown in FIG. 23 (a), a character design pattern 63 with the motif of the bad guy shown in FIG. 23 (a) is displayed. A character effect pattern 64 with the motif is displayed. The sizes of these two effect pictures are almost the same as shown in FIG. The evil agent and Tono-sama each run on a course divided by a horizontal line image 65 (for example, a predetermined competition scene). The pattern information representing the Tono-sama's effect picture 64 is transferred from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561 earlier than the picture information representing the evil imager's effect picture 63 (see FIG. 23C).

  In the design pattern 63 of the evil agent shown in FIG. 25A, the “髷” design and the “hind footwear” design shown in FIG. 23B are not displayed. This is a predetermined display timing (a timing at which step S4171 shown in FIG. 14 is executed) in the display area of the VRAM 561 of the image control unit 560 in the heel BM or / and the heel shape and the rear foot sandals BM or / and the rear. This result is based on the fact that both of the footwear and footwear shapes were not transferred.

  A display screen 2080 shown in FIG. 25B displays a frame (hereinafter referred to as an A frame) that is several frames ahead of the frame displayed on the display screen 2080 shown in FIG. In the bad guy's directing picture 63 shown in FIG. 25 (b), the “hind footwear” picture 631 is displayed, but the “髷” picture is still not displayed. This is the display timing of the A frame (the timing at which step S4171 shown in FIG. 14 is executed) in a predetermined area (for example, display area A, display area B, or other storage area) of the VRAM 561 of the image control unit 560. This is a result based on the fact that the heel BM or / and the heel shape was not transferred.

  As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, when the bitmap or / and model is not transferred, the pattern based on the transferred bitmap and model is used. Is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208, and all the symbols (for example, all the eight symbols shown in FIG. 23B) constituting the entire symbol (for example, the ill-ranking director's effect symbol 63) are transferred. There is no need to wait. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a delay in the display schedule of the effect pattern that produces the game, and to display from the image for which the transfer has been completed, thereby reducing the frequency of occurrence of frame dropping.

  Also, a part of Tono-sama's effect picture 64 overlaps with the evil picture effect picture 63 shown in FIG. That is, the “髷” design 641 composing the Tono-sama's effect design 64 transferred earlier is displayed superimposed on the “main body” design 632 composing the later transferred design image 63 of the evil agent. The bad guy's effect picture 63 corresponds to an example of the back picture according to the present invention, and the picture information representing the effect picture 63 corresponds to an example of the first picture data according to the present invention. On the other hand, Tono-san's effect picture 64 corresponds to an example of the front picture referred to in the present invention, and the picture information representing the effect picture 64 corresponds to an example of second pattern data referred to in the present invention.

  In this way, a variety of effect display is made possible by displaying a composite image obtained by superimposing a plurality of images as part of an effect pattern that changes as the game progresses. Further, in the present embodiment, when the lower part of the villain directing pattern 63 and the upper part of the illustrator directing pattern 64 are displayed in an overlapping manner, the upper part of the evil demon directing pattern 63 is not displayed, It is configured to display the entire part including the upper part of the effect picture 64, and after transferring the pattern information representing the Tono-like effect picture 64 from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561, the pattern information representing the evil picture effect 63 is transferred. To do. By doing so, it is easier to determine that the pattern information representing the Tono-sama's staging pattern 64 to be preferentially displayed as described above is transferred more than the pattern information representing the bad actor's directing picture 63, and the bad guy's directing picture 63. The transfer of the pattern information representing the image can prevent delay in the transfer of the pattern information representing the performance pattern 64 of the Tono-sama, which has a higher priority than the performance pattern 63 of the evil agent, and the performance pattern of the Ton-sama with a higher priority. 64 can be displayed as soon as possible.

  The display screen 2080 shown in FIG. 25C displays a B frame that is several frames ahead of the frame displayed on the display screen 2080 shown in FIG. On the display screen 2080 shown in FIG. 25 (c), a scene where Tono-sama has won is displayed.

  The display screen 2080 shown in FIG. 25D displays a C frame that is several frames further from the frame displayed on the display screen 2080 shown in FIG. The scene displayed on the display screen 2080 shown in FIG. 25 (d) is a winning scene in which the production picture 64 of Tono-sama who won the game is displayed larger than the production picture 63 of the bad actor who lost the game. is there. That is, the direction picture 64 of Tono-sama transferred earlier is displayed larger than the effect picture 63 of the evil agent transferred later. The winning scene is a scene displayed according to drawing information of the winning scenario. Also here, the transfer of the pattern information representing the evil picture director 63 (small picture) delays the transfer of the picture information representing the master picture 64 (large picture), which has a higher priority than the bad guy director 63. It is possible to prevent this, and it is possible to display the stunning design pattern 64 having a high priority as soon as possible.

  Further, the pattern information indicating the decorative patterns 61 and 62 of “decoration 7” and the decorative pattern being variably displayed is transferred from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561 earlier than the pattern information indicating the effect pattern 62 of Tono-sama. The decorative symbols 61 and 62 of “decoration 7” and the decorative symbols in the variable display are symbols that directly notify the result of the lottery. Therefore, the effect design means the design that does not contain much information indicating the game situation or the design that does not contain the game at all, and the decoration design that has a higher transfer priority than the production design produces the information that indicates the game situation. In some cases, it can be defined as a pattern including more than a pattern. When such a meaning can be given, the player can be notified of the game situation as soon as possible.

  Furthermore, the technical idea of giving priority to the order of transfer of bitmaps and models and displaying them from the completed bitmaps and models is also useful when a power failure occurs due to lightning or the like during a game. That is, when all the data in the display area of the VRAM 561 is lost due to a power failure or the like and nothing is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208, the VRAM 561 is ordered in order from important information such as information indicating the game status. If the image is transferred and displayed from the completed transfer, the player can be notified of the game status as soon as possible. More specifically, in the case of a conventional game machine (pachinko machine, slot machine), for example, a ball is won at the start opening until the lottery result is displayed after the lottery is performed due to the establishment of the lottery opportunity. It may take several seconds to several minutes until a random number is acquired on the condition and the lottery result using the random number is notified by a combination of symbols. A power outage caused by a disturbance such as lightning may occur while the player is playing. When the player feels that the lottery opportunity is established (for example, winning at the starting point), the player wants to know the lottery result quickly, and further hopes that the lottery result is a specific result (for example, a big hit) . However, if a power failure occurs during the game from the establishment of the lottery opportunity to the result notification, the symbol display screen disappears, and the user may feel uneasy about what happened to the integrated lottery result. Apart from whether or not it goes through the RAM 508, the image cannot be displayed on the above-mentioned display screen without the information transferred from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561. I had to wait. In the gaming machine described in the present embodiment, since the predetermined information is transferred to the VRAM 561 by a task different from the image drawing process, the display screen can be restored more quickly than before by utilizing the idle time of the process. In this case, it is possible to relieve the anxiety caused by the fact that the lottery results are not displayed to the player, and the player can enjoy the game with peace of mind even if a disturbance occurs.

  Furthermore, by transferring some or all of the information to the VRAM 561 without passing through the RAM 508, the display on the display screen can be restored more quickly, which is very suitable.

  It should be noted that in the bad actor's effect picture 63 shown in FIG. 25 (d), all the pictures including the “髷” picture 633 constituting the effect picture 63 are displayed. This is a bitmap of all the eight pictures constituting the effect picture 63 in the display area of the VRAM 561 of the image control unit 560 at the display timing of the C frame (the timing at which step S4171 shown in FIG. 14 is executed). And a result based on the fact that the model had been transferred. Again, the frequency of frame dropping can be reduced.

  On the display screen 2080 shown in FIG. 25 (e), a combination of “decoration 7-decoration 7-decoration 7” is displayed in which the medium decoration symbol that has been variably displayed so far is stopped and a big hit is notified. .

  Next, a modification of the present embodiment that has been described so far will be described. In the following description, the same components as those used in the description of the present embodiment are denoted by the same reference symbols as used so far. In addition, overlapping description may be omitted.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing display information different from the display information shown in FIG.

  The villain officer's effect design displayed on the decorative design display device 208 shown in FIG. 26 (a) consists of a single design as a whole. The decorative symbol display device 208 shown in FIG. 26 (a) also shows decorative symbols for “decoration 6” and “decoration 7”.

  The drawing information of the villain directing pattern composed of a single pattern as shown in FIG. 26 (a) includes positional information about the pattern, size information about the pattern, information pasted to the model of the bitmap, and Contains picture definition information. Here, as the information for pasting the bitmap onto the model, paste for “6”, paste for “7”, and paste for “bad actor” are prepared. In addition, as shown in FIG. 26B, in the picture definition information, in addition to the picture definition of “decoration 6” and the picture definition of “decoration 7”, the picture definition of “bad guy” is prepared. In the picture definition of “Evil Agent”, the correspondence between each bitmap constituting the “Evil Agent” and the model is defined.

  It should be noted that the pattern information of the villain director's effect pattern composed of one pattern as a whole shown in FIG. 26A is the same as the pattern information shown in FIG.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of a modification of the drawing information transmission process shown in FIG. 14 which is one of the processes in the main task.

  In the drawing information transmission process of this modification, for example, the process is performed in units of decorative symbols and effect symbols shown in FIG. First, whether unit image information corresponding to all drawing image information (pasting information and design definition information) to be transmitted has been written in a predetermined area (for example, display area A, display area B, or other storage area) of VRAM 561. It is determined whether or not (transfer is completed) (step S6001). That is, in the reading & writing process shown in FIG. 18, all the drawing image information included in the drawing information of the decorative symbols transferred to the RAM 508 based on the value (image information) of the area G of the RAM 508 is supported. It is determined whether the transfer of the unit image information to be completed is completed or the transfer of the unit image information corresponding to all the drawing image information included in the drawing information of the effect picture is completed. Here, if all the BM information transfer completion flags and the model information transfer completion flags of the decorative symbols or effects symbols prepared in the RAM 508 are on, all the drawing image information to be transmitted is transferred from the RAM 508 to the GPU 562. (Step S6002), and all of the transmitted drawing image information is deleted from the RAM 508 (step S6003), and the process proceeds to step S6005. Also in this case, if drawing pattern information (position information and size information) included in the drawing information including the drawing image information to be transmitted remains on the RAM 508, the drawing image information is displayed in step S6002. At the same time, the drawing pattern information is also transmitted from the RAM 508 to the GPU 562. In step S6003, the drawing pattern information is deleted from the RAM 508 together with the transmitted drawing image information. The GPU 562 causes the decorative symbol display device 208 to display the decorative symbol or the entire effect symbol.

  On the other hand, if at least one of the BM information transfer completion flag or the model information transfer completion flag of the decorative design or effect design prepared in the RAM 508 is in the OFF state, all the drawing image information to be transmitted is transmitted in step S6004. The failure drawing image information is set (turning on the transmission failure flag in the RAM 508), and the process advances to step S6005.

  In step S6005, it is determined whether there is drawing image information whose transmission failure flag is in the off state in the RAM 508. If there is drawing image information, the process returns to step S6001, and if there is no drawing image information, this drawing information transmission is performed. Processing ends. Here, the drawing image information set as the transmission failure drawing image information is described as being not transmitted to the image control unit 560 (for example, the GPU 562) in the current drawing information transmission process. Unless otherwise specified, the image control unit 560 generally does not transmit the failed drawing image information or drawing pattern information. For example, when the determination in S6001 is NO, the drawing image information used in the determination in S6001 among the drawing image information scheduled to be transmitted may be deleted from the RAM 508. By doing so, step S6004 becomes unnecessary.

  FIG. 28 shows the display screen of the decorative symbol display device in the order of (a), (b), (c)... When the special figure variation game is started and the reach effect is made in the pachinko machine in the modified example. It is the figure shown in time series.

  In the left front of the display screen 2080 shown in FIG. 28 (a), a character effect pattern 64 with the motif of Tono-sama is displayed, but in the right back, it was displayed in FIG. 25 (a). The entire effect design of the character with the villain motif shown in FIG. 26A is not displayed. In this modified example, even if one or more bitmaps and models are transferred to the display area of the VRAM 561 of the image control unit 560 at a predetermined display timing (the timing at which step S4171 shown in FIG. 24 is executed) Even if one bitmap or model is not transferred, the entire effect picture is not displayed. In FIG. 28, the bitmap and model transfer results of the character effect design 63 with the villain motif as the motif are the same as those in the example of FIG. 25, and from FIG. 28 (a) to FIG. 28 (c), The entire effect picture 63 is not displayed.

  As in the above-described embodiment, if the effect picture is composed of eight pictures, inconvenience may occur in some cases. For example, in the case of informing whether a big hit or missed by a difference in the pose (shape) of a predetermined character, there is a shortage of a predetermined bitmap or model related to the pose that constitutes the predetermined character, Therefore, if only the pattern consisting of the predetermined bitmap and model is not displayed, as a result, the pose of the predetermined character is assumed to be shifted to the player, and the decorative pattern is changing. In such a case, the worst situation such as a player standing may occur. However, in this modification, the entire effect picture is composed of one picture, and the entire effect picture is displayed on the condition that all bitmaps and models related to the effect picture have been transferred. By causing the player to visually recognize the shapes, patterns, and characters that are not supposed to be displayed, it is possible to prevent problems such as giving the player an unpleasant feeling or misunderstanding.

  The character effect pattern 63 with the evil character as a motif is all bitmaps related to this effect pattern 63 in a predetermined area (for example, display area A, display area B, and other storage areas) of the VRAM 561 of the image control unit 560. FIG. 28D shows an example that is displayed for the first time because the model has been transferred. The effect picture 63 displayed here is also displayed smaller than the effect picture 64 of Tono-sama who won the game, like the effect picture 63 displayed in FIG. That is, the direction picture 64 of Tono-sama transferred earlier is displayed larger than the effect picture 63 of the evil agent transferred later.

  On the display screen 2080 shown in FIG. 28 (e), a combination of “decoration 7-decoration 7-decoration 7” is displayed in which the medium decoration symbol that has been variably displayed so far is stopped and a big hit is notified. .

  FIG. 29 shows, in a modified example, the display screen of the decorative symbol display device in the order of (a), (b), (c),. FIG.

  29 (a) and 29 (b), the transfer result of the bitmap and model related to the character design pattern 63 with the villain character as a motif is the same as that of FIGS. 25 (a) and 25 (b). In (a) and (b), the entire effect picture 63 is not displayed.

  In FIG. 29, in the character effect picture 63 with the evil character as a motif, all the bitmaps and models related to this effect picture 63 have been transferred to the display area of the VRAM 561 of the image control unit 560. Is displayed for the first time. In the display screen 2080 shown in FIG. 6C, a scene for losing victory of the bad guy is displayed, and the directing picture 63 of the bad guy who won the game is based on the directing picture 64 of Tono-sama who lost the game. Is also displayed larger. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the villain directing picture 63 has been transferred from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561 earlier than the Tono-sama directing picture 64, and the previously transferred bad demon directing picture 63 is transferred later. It is displayed larger than the rendered picture 64 of Tono-sama. The failure scene shown in FIG. 29 (c) is a scene that is displayed without reaching the winning scene shown in FIG. 28 (d), and is displayed according to the drawing information of the failure scenario.

  On the display screen 2080 shown in FIG. 29 (d), the combination of “decoration 7-decoration 6-decoration 7” is displayed in which the medium decoration symbol that has been displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed, and the deviation is notified. . The game scene between Tono-sama and the villain here corresponds to a false notice effect. By mixing the fake notice effect with the notice effect, the fun of the game is further improved.

  As described above, FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 show a battle scene between Tono-sama and the bad guy. More specifically, once the decorative symbol variation display is started, predetermined lottery processing (for example, lottery processing described in S229 and S231, information indicating that the big hit flag storage area of the RAM 308 is a big hit is set. At least the lottery result of the lottery process for determining whether or not to perform, the lottery process for determining whether or not to select the combination of the big hit symbol as the combination of the three decorative symbols for stopping the variation display of the decorative symbol, etc. As a result of (for example, if it is a predetermined jackpot, indicates that a jackpot game is to be started, or if it is decided to select a combination of predetermined jackpot symbols), a specific character (for example, with a bad actor) (For example, competition scenes in which an evil agent and Tono-sama compete) (see FIGS. 28 (a) (b) and 29 (a) (b))) A lottery result of the lottery process described above is displayed along with an image display based on a win scenario that reaches the winning final scene (for example, a scene where Ton-sama first finishes in a race (see FIGS. 28C and 28D)) Is a result other than a specific result (for example, in the case of indicating that it is out of place, in the case of a combination of predetermined out-of-order symbols, etc.). An image is displayed based on the scenario for losing the scene that reaches the first goal scene (see FIGS. 29C and 29D). In addition, after displaying the winning settlement scene or the losing settlement scene, the combination of the three decorative symbols corresponding to the lottery result of the lottery process described above is stopped (for example, FIG. 28 (e) and FIG. 29 (e)). Is shown.

  It should be noted that effect images composed of a plurality of scenes, for example, a first scene (FIG. 28 (a)), a second scene (FIG. 28 (b)), a third scene (FIG. 28 (c)), a fourth scene, Assuming that the scene (FIG. 28 (d)) and the fifth scene (FIG. 28 (e)), the first scene (FIG. 28 (a)), as described above, displays the character effect design with the villain as a motif. Since at least one picture information of the bitmap and the model necessary for the above has not been transferred to the VRAM 561, the first scene does not display the effect picture of the character with the villain as a motif. In this way, when a predetermined effect picture cannot be displayed in a predetermined scene (for example, the first scene among a plurality of scenes constituting the effect image), a bitmap required for displaying the predetermined effect picture and Even if all the picture information such as the model has been transferred to the VRAM 561, a specific scene (for example, a predetermined number of scenes (for example, two scenes), a predetermined scene (for example, FIG. 28D)) May be configured not to display a predetermined effect picture. By doing so, it may be possible to reduce the uncomfortable feeling that the player feels due to the suddenly unnatural display of the pattern that was not displayed.

  Further, if a predetermined effect picture cannot be displayed in a predetermined scene, even if all the picture information such as a bitmap and a model necessary for displaying the predetermined effect image is transferred to the VRAM 561, a plurality of information is displayed. The predetermined effect picture may not be displayed over the entire effect image including the scene (for example, up to the fifth scene).

  Of course, as described above, the predetermined effect picture may be displayed from the next display timing when all the picture information such as a bitmap and a model necessary for displaying the predetermined effect picture is transferred to the VRAM 561.

  In the above description, the drawing information is transferred from the ROM 506 to the RAM 508, and the pattern information is transferred from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specific drawing information (for example, pasting information) is transferred from the ROM 506 to the RAM 508. The predetermined drawing information (for example, position information) other than the specific one may be transferred from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561. Further, specific picture information (for example, compressed bitmap information) is transferred from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561, and predetermined picture information other than the specific (for example, uncompressed bitmap information) is transferred from the ROM 506 to the RAM 508. May be. Further, by transferring a part of information necessary for displaying a picture or a part of information necessary for displaying an image from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 561 without passing through the RAM 508, all the information passes through the RAM 508. In some cases, the speed until the image is displayed can be improved as compared with the case where the image is transferred to the VRAM 561, and the disturbance of the image display due to a frame drop may be reduced.

  In addition, a specific pattern (for example, a predetermined character pattern such as a decorative pattern, Tono-sama) is displayed even if all the pattern data has not been acquired, and another specific pattern (for example, a specific character pattern such as a bad guy) has already been acquired. You may make it display only in the case of. Similarly, a specific pattern (for example, a predetermined character pattern such as a decorative pattern or a lord) displays a specific pattern by displaying a common image instead of unacquired pattern data when not all the pattern data has been acquired. Another specific pattern (for example, a specific character pattern such as a bad actor) may be displayed only when it has already been acquired. Furthermore, a predetermined pattern (for example, a specific character pattern such as a bad actor) is in the process of acquiring pattern data necessary for displaying the predetermined pattern, and a specific pattern (for example, a predetermined character pattern such as Tono-sama) is displayed. When the pattern data necessary to do so has been acquired, the specific pattern is displayed on the display device, the predetermined pattern is not displayed, and conversely, the predetermined pattern (for example, a specific character pattern such as a bad actor) ) Is obtained when the pattern data necessary for displaying the predetermined pattern has been acquired, and the pattern data necessary for displaying the specific pattern (for example, a predetermined character pattern such as Tono-sama) is being acquired. Further, both the specific pattern and the predetermined pattern may be configured not to be displayed on the display device.

  In addition, the predetermined character design and the specific character design are defeated in a predetermined competition (for example, a race) in the case of a winning settlement scene in a competition scene, and the predetermined character design has won the competition. In addition to the image shown in the figure, in the case of an off-set scene, it may be configured to include an image showing that the specific character design has won in a predetermined game and the predetermined character design has been defeated in the game.

  Furthermore, in the case of a dismissal settlement scene, it may be configured to include an image indicating that a specific character design and a predetermined character design are drawn in the competition. In the case of a winning settlement scene, an image of a predetermined character picture winning a predetermined game is displayed on a specific character picture, and a message “Victory!” Indicating that it is a winning settlement scene is displayed. In the case of a scene, an image in which the predetermined character design is defeated in the competition is displayed on the specific character design, and a message “defeat!” Indicating that the predetermined character design is a defeated scene or the predetermined character design and the specific character design May display an image indicating that the game has been drawn in the competition, and may display a message “Draw!” Indicating that the scene is an unsuccessful settlement scene. Of course, the predetermined competition is not limited to a race, but may be any competition such as car racing, ball games, martial arts, and swimming.

  In addition, in the case of a winning settlement scene, an image of a predetermined character pattern winning a predetermined game is displayed on a specific character pattern, and in order to show that it is a winning settlement scene, The picture may be displayed larger than the specific character picture, or in the case of a losing conclusion scene, an image in which the predetermined character picture is defeated in the competition is displayed on the specific character picture. A specific character pattern may be displayed larger than a predetermined character pattern.

  As described above, the example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine (bullet ball game machine) has been described in detail. However, the game table of the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a medal or a game ball (pachinko ball) is used. The present invention can also be applied to a spinning machine (slot machine) to be used.

  FIG. 30 shows an example of a slot machine to which the present invention can be applied.

  A slot machine 900 shown in FIG. 30 includes a main body 901 and a front door 902 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 901 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 901. Inside the center of the main body 901 (not shown in FIG. 30), three reels (left reel 910, middle reel 911, right reel 912) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored. It is configured to rotate inside. These reels 910 to 912 are rotationally driven by a driving means such as a stepping motor.

  In the slot machine 900 shown in FIG. 30, each number of symbols is printed on the belt-like member at an equal interval, and the belt-like member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member to constitute each reel 910 to 912. . When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 910 to 912 are generally displayed three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 913 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 910 to 912, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 910 to 912 functions as a display unit that displays a combination of a plurality of types of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display means. In the slot machine 900 shown in FIG. 30, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 900. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  On the back surface of each of the reels 910 to 912, a backlight (not shown in FIG. 30) for illuminating each symbol displayed on the symbol display window 913 is disposed. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 900, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 910 to 912. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the two. Based on the detection result of this sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 910 to 912 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The winning line display lamp 920 is a lamp indicating a winning line 914 that is valid. The effective pay line is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. There are five pay lines 914. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal pay line is valid, and when two medals are betted, the upper horizontal win line and the lower horizontal pay line are added. If three are valid and three medals are bet, five lines including a right-down winning line and an upper-right winning line are valid as winning lines. The number of winning lines 914 is not limited to five. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the right Five lines, the down line and the upper right line, may be valid as the winning lines.

  The notification lamp 923 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been won internally in the internal lottery or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 924 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 922 notifies the player that the current game is replayable (the medal need not be inserted) when winning a replay that is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 928 is an effect lamp.

  The bet buttons 930 to 932 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 900. In the slot machine 900 shown in FIG. 30, every time the bet button 930 is pressed, a maximum of three cards are inserted. When the bet button 931 is pressed, two cards are inserted and when the bet button 932 is pressed. Three cards are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 932 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. Note that the game medal insertion lamp 929 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a specified number of medals are inserted, a game start is informed that a game start operation is possible. The lamp 921 is turned on.

  The medal slot 934 is an slot for the player to insert a medal when starting a game. In other words, the medal can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 930 to 932, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 934. is there. The stored number display 925 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 900. The game information display 926 is a display for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during the bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 927 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination.

  The start lever 935 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 910 to 912. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 934 or when the start lever 935 is operated by operating the bet buttons 930 to 932, the reels 910 to 912 start rotating. The operation on the start lever 935 is referred to as a game start operation. In this slot machine 900, based on the operation of the start lever 935, an internal lottery process for performing lottery to determine which of the multiple types of winning combination is won is executed. It is determined whether the player is in a relatively advantageous state or a relatively unfavorable state.

  The stop button unit 936 is provided with stop buttons 937 to 939. The stop buttons 937 to 939 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 910 to 912 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 935, and are associated with the reels 910 to 912. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 937 to 939 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each stop button 937 to 939. When the stop button 937 to 939 can be operated, the light emitter can be turned on to notify the player.

  The medal return button 933 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is clogged. The payment button 934 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 900 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 955. Door key hole 940 is a hole into which a key for unlocking front door 902 of slot machine 900 is inserted. The medal payout exit 955 is a payout exit for paying out medals.

  The sound hole 960 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 900 to the outside. Side lamps 944 provided at the left and right portions of the front door 902 are decorative lamps for exciting games. A rendering device 990 is disposed above the front door 902. The effect device 990 includes a door (shutter) member 963 including two right doors 963a and 963b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 957 (illustrated) disposed on the back side of the door member 963. When the two right doors 963a and 963b are opened in the horizontal direction in front of the liquid crystal display device 957, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 957 (not shown) is displayed in front of the slot machine 900 (player). Side). In addition, even if it is not a liquid crystal display device, it should just be comprised so that various effect images and various game information can be displayed, for example, it consists of a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, or a projector and a screen. A display device or the like may be used. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the slot machine 900 shown in FIG. 30, the display screen is a rectangular flat surface, but may be a square flat surface. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. Furthermore, the display screen may have a curved surface.

  In the slot machine 900 shown in FIG. 30, the technical idea of the present invention can be applied to a picture displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 957. Further, when an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device is mounted in place of each reel 910 to 912, the technical idea of the present invention can be applied to a picture displayed on the electronic image display device.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to an arrange ball game machine, a ball ball game machine, and a pinball machine. In addition, the present invention is a gaming machine (for example, a casino machine, a video game machine, an encapsulated pachinko gaming machine) that can be played with the input of gaming media, and a gaming machine that uses the gaming media itself for gaming (for example, It may be applied to a medal dropping game machine). Here, “inserting game media” means “betting”, and “bet” is also agreed. “Input of game media” includes “input of currency” and “input of electronic money”. A casino machine is a casino in which a game can be started by inserting a currency, and when a lottery result is won, a symbol set in association with the corresponding selection result is stopped, and a payout as a bonus to a player is performed. Machine.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a casino machine to which the present invention can be applied.

The casino machine 950 shown in FIG. 31 also includes two right and left doors 951a and 951b that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 951c disposed on the back side thereof, and this liquid crystal display device 951c. The technical idea of the present invention can be applied to the picture displayed on the display screen.
In the above explanation,
“Image display means capable of displaying at least an image (for example, a decorative symbol display device 208);
Image control means (for example, image control unit 560) capable of executing at least image display control of the image display means;
Control means capable of controlling at least the image control means (for example, the second sub-control unit 500);
A game machine equipped with
The control means is capable of executing at least a plurality of tasks in parallel (for example, a task switching process shown in FIG. 16),
At least one of the plurality of tasks is a first task;
At least one of the plurality of tasks is a second task;
At least one process in the first task is a first process (for example, FIG. 14) capable of transmitting at least display position information of the image (for example, position information included in the drawing information) to the image control means. Drawing information transmission processing shown in FIG.
At least one process in the second task is a second process (for example, display information shown in FIG. 18C) that can transmit at least pattern information (for example, bitmap information, model information) to the image control means. Step S5032) in the writing process,
The image display control is a control (for example, the control described in paragraphs 0218 and 0223) that allows the picture indicated by the picture information to be displayed as the image at least at the position indicated by the display position information. )
A game stand characterized by that. ]
Explained.
Also,
“Equipped with storage means (for example, RAM 508) capable of storing at least image information (for example, image information shown in FIG. 12B),
The image information is information including at least the designation of the first picture information,
The first pattern information is information about at least a part of the first pattern constituting the first image,
Wherein the first image state, and are able of images scheduled to be displayed on said image display means (for example, an image designated by the image run data included in the effect set selected based on the effect data),
The image display control is a control capable of displaying a picture indicated by the first picture information specified by the image information as the image.
A game stand characterized by that. ]
Also explained.
Also,
“A determination unit (for example, a CPU 504 that executes Step S4171 shown in FIG. 14) for determining whether or not the first design information designated by the image information has been received,
The image display control is a control capable of not displaying the first pattern when the determination unit determines that the first pattern information is not received.
A game stand characterized by that. ]
Also explained.
Also,
“The image control means is a control capable of displaying the first picture when the first picture information that has not been received has been received after executing the control not to display the first picture. ,
A game stand characterized by that. ]
Also explained.

  Lastly, it is noted that it relates to the present invention.

(Appendix 1)
An image display device (decorative symbol display device) for displaying a predetermined image;
A driving device (GPU, VRAM) for driving the image display device;
A control device (basic circuit of the second sub-control unit) for controlling the driving device;
An image information storage device (ROM) storing image information (bitmap) necessary for driving the image display device;
A game machine equipped with
A transfer process for transferring the image information from the image information storage device to the driving device;
A determination process for determining whether or not specific image information has been transferred to the driving device;
When the determination process determines that the specific image information has been transferred,
A drawing process for instructing the driving device to draw an image based on the specific image information;
The game machine is characterized in that the control device can execute.

  For example, the image information is drawn only when the image information has been transferred.

  According to the gaming machine of Supplementary Note 1, it is possible to prevent the display schedule of the effect image that produces the game from being greatly delayed, and to prevent an unplanned disordered image from being displayed on the image display device.

(Appendix 2)
In the game stand described in Appendix 1,
When displaying the first design and the second design simultaneously overlapping,
The portion where the first design and the second design overlap is provided with a design display device that preferentially displays the first design,
The display of a plurality of patterns by the pattern display device is configured by displaying an image corresponding to each pattern on the image display device,
The plurality of patterns includes the first pattern and the second pattern,
The game machine characterized in that the transfer process transfers image information constituting the first picture earlier than image information constituting the second picture.

  For example, an image that is preferentially displayed (important) is transferred first.

  According to the game table of Supplementary Note 2, a composite image obtained by superimposing a plurality of images is displayed as an effect image that changes as the game progresses. If the upper half is superimposed to generate a composite image, the image A is displayed as a whole, the upper half of the image B is not displayed, and the lower half of the image B is displayed. Image information A (for example, bitmap information) corresponding to image A is first transferred from an image information storage device (for example, ROM 506) to a drive device (for example, image control unit 560), and then image information B (for image B) ( For example, by transferring bitmap information), it is easier to determine that the image information A corresponding to the image A to be displayed preferentially has been transferred than the image information B as described above, and the image B (for example, the state of the game) Information to show The image information corresponding to the image B corresponding to the image A (for example, the image including information indicating the game situation is included in the image B) is higher than the image B. Information transfer can be prevented from being delayed, and an image A having a high priority can be displayed as soon as possible. That is, it is possible to notify the player of the game situation as soon as possible.

(Appendix 3)
In the game stand of Claim 1,
A lottery means for performing a lottery based on the establishment of the lottery conditions;
A game value giving means for giving a game value to a player when the lottery result is a win,
When the lottery result of the lottery means win, the first picture is displayed larger than the second picture through a predetermined scene including the display of the first picture and the display of the second picture. In addition to displaying a plurality of patterns based on the winning scenario to reach the final decision scene, and if the lottery result is out of the lottery means, the winning final scene can not be reached, the first pattern And a picture display device for displaying a plurality of pictures based on a scenario for ending to reach a deciding scene for detaching that largely displays the second picture,
The display of a plurality of patterns by the pattern display device is configured by displaying an image corresponding to each pattern on the image display device,
The plurality of patterns includes the first pattern and the second pattern,
The game machine characterized in that the transfer process transfers image information constituting the first picture earlier than image information constituting the second picture.

  For example, in a picture display device that displays a plurality of characters, a player's ally is preferentially transferred in a confrontation effect.

  According to the game table of Supplementary Note 3, either the winning decision scene or the winning decision scene is displayed by reproducing the moving image information based on the scenario that reaches one of the winning decision scene information or the missing decision scene information. When displaying an effect moving image that produces a game that informs a lottery result depending on whether the image A is displayed larger in the winning settlement scene and the image B displayed smaller than the image A in the scene Since the image information A corresponding to the image A is transferred first, and then the image information B corresponding to the image B is transferred, the image information A is more easily determined to be transferred than the image information B. The transfer of the image information B corresponding to the image B can prevent the transfer of the image information corresponding to the image A displayed larger than the image B from being delayed, and can Rank becomes possible as soon as possible displaying high image A. That is, it becomes possible to notify the player of the game situation as soon as possible.

(Appendix 4)
In the game stand described in appendix 2 or 3,
When the determination process determines that all of a plurality of pieces of image information corresponding to a plurality of images constituting a specific pattern have been transferred, the drawing process draws the image forming the specific pattern A game machine characterized by instructing a driving device.

  For example, the image constituting the picture is displayed only when all the image information corresponding to the image constituting the picture to be displayed has been transferred.

  According to the gaming table of appendix 4, when one character picture is composed of a plurality of images, on the condition that image information necessary for displaying all the plurality of images is transferred, the plurality of images Since all the images are displayed, that is, the character design is displayed, the character is displayed in an unintended manner, and it is uncomfortable for the player by allowing the player to visually recognize an unexpected shape, pattern, or character. Problems such as feelings and misunderstandings can be prevented. For example, if only an image that is not ready is displayed, the predetermined image information that constitutes the predetermined character is insufficient to display the predetermined character to display that it is a big hit. If only the image corresponding to the predetermined image information is not displayed, as a result, the shape of the predetermined character is assumed to be out of the player, and the game is changed in the middle of symbol variation. Can prevent the worst situation such as a person standing.

(Appendix 5)
In the game stand according to appendices 1 to 4,
When the determination process determines that the specific image information has not been transferred, the drawing process instructs the drive device to draw an image based on common image information commonly used for drawing a plurality of images. A game table that features

  According to the gaming machine of appendix 5, when there is no predetermined image information, an image is displayed using the common image information instead of the predetermined image information. By displaying it, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged and giving unpleasant feelings and misunderstandings.

(Appendix 6)
When displaying the first picture and the second picture at both the first display timing and the second display timing that is the display timing next to the first display timing,
In the first display timing,
The first pattern data necessary for displaying the first pattern has been acquired,
On the condition that the second pattern data necessary for displaying the second pattern has not been acquired.
Displaying the first design without displaying the second design;
When the acquisition of the second picture data is completed by the second display timing,
It is characterized in that both the first picture and the second picture are displayed at the second display timing.

  For example, there is an example in which the information is not displayed while it is not acquired but is displayed immediately after it is acquired.

(Appendix 7)
Assuming that a scene is composed of a series of videos, when creating an image effect from multiple scenes,
If the specific pattern data is not acquired when the first specific pattern is displayed in the predetermined scene, the specific pattern is not acquired even if the acquisition of the specific pattern data is completed during the reproduction of the predetermined scene. It is characterized by not displaying but displaying when a specific picture is displayed in a scene after a predetermined scene.

  In other words, here, there is an example in which the information is not displayed while it is not acquired but is displayed immediately after it is acquired.

(Appendix 8)
In a game machine having a display device that displays a pattern composed of one or more images,
A pattern data storage unit storing pattern data composed of one or more image data;
A display control unit that causes the display device to display a pattern at a predetermined display timing based on the pattern data acquired from the pattern data storage unit;
When the display control unit determines whether or not the design data is being acquired from the design data storage unit and determines that the design data has been acquired, the display unit displays the design on the display device based on the design data. A game table characterized by letting it.

  The display control unit referred to here acquires the design data stored in the design data storage unit from the design data storage unit. The picture data storage unit stores picture data composed of image data representing a picture composed of one or a plurality of images in units of images.

  According to the gaming machine of appendix 8, since the picture based on the acquired picture data is displayed on the display device, the frequency of occurrence of frame dropping can be reduced.

Here, the display control unit includes a drive device that drives the display device at a predetermined display timing, and a control device that controls the drive device,
The control device causes the design data stored in the design data storage unit to be transferred from the design data storage unit to the driving device, and determines whether or not the design data is being transferred,
The drive device may drive the display device based on the design data when the control device determines that the design data has been acquired.

  Further, when the display control unit determines whether or not the design data is being acquired from the design data storage unit at the predetermined display timing, and determines that the design data has been acquired, the display control unit is based on the design data. It is also possible to display a picture on the display device.

(Appendix 9)
When the display control unit determines that the picture data is being acquired, the display device displays an image based on the acquired image data included in the picture data being acquired. A game table characterized by being displayed on the screen.

  In the game stand of appendix 8, when the picture data is composed of a single image data, nothing is displayed on the display device.

  Further, the drive device drives the display device based on acquired image data included in the pattern data being acquired when the control device determines that the pattern data is being acquired. There may be.

  When the display control unit determines that the pattern data is being acquired, the display device does not display an image based on the acquired image data included in the pattern data being acquired on the display device. Also good.

  The driving device does not drive the display device based on the acquired image data included in the pattern data being acquired when the control device determines that the pattern data is being acquired. There may be.

(Appendix 10)
In the game stand according to appendix 8 or 9,
The pattern data storage unit includes a first pattern data, and a second pattern representing a front pattern including an image displayed on the image constituting the basket pattern displayed on the display device based on the first pattern data. Data, and
The display control unit may acquire the second design data from the design data storage unit earlier than the first design data.

Here, the design data storage unit displays the first design data and the first design displayed on the display device simultaneously with the first design displayed on the display device based on the first design data. The second design data representing the second design with different sizes may be stored,
The pattern data storage unit represents first pattern data and a large pattern displayed on the display device larger than the small pattern simultaneously with the small pattern displayed on the display device based on the first pattern data. Two picture data may be stored.

(Appendix 11)
In the game stand according to any one of appendices 8 to 10,
Lottery means for performing a lottery to determine whether the player is in a relatively advantageous state or a relatively unfavorable state;
The picture data storage unit includes first picture data representing a first picture indicating to the player that the result of the lottery is a relatively unfavorable result for the player, and the display device simultaneously with the first picture And the second picture data representing the second picture that suggests to the player that the result of the lottery is a relatively advantageous result for the player,
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit acquires the second picture data earlier than the first picture data from the picture data storage unit.

  Further, the control device may transfer the second design data from the design data storage unit to the driving device earlier than the first design data.

Furthermore, it has a lottery means for performing lottery for winning or losing,
The design data storage unit stores first design data representing a first design and second design data representing a second design,
When the result of the lottery is a win, the display device passes through a predetermined scene including the first design and the second design, and the display device displays a second design larger than the first design. If a plurality of designs based on the winning scenario to be reached are displayed and the result of the lottery is off, the winning scene is not reached but the second design is reached rather than the second design. A plurality of patterns may be displayed based on the scenario for losing to reach the scene for losing where one pattern is displayed large.

  Further, when the display control unit determines that the pattern data is being acquired, a plurality of image data has not been acquired instead of unacquired image data not included in the pattern data being acquired. The display device may display a common image based on predetermined common image data that is sometimes used in common.

(Appendix 12)
In the game stand described in Appendix 8,
If the display control unit determines that the pattern data is being acquired, instead of the pattern data being acquired, predetermined common pattern data that is commonly used when a plurality of pattern data has not been acquired. A game table characterized in that a common pattern based on the above is displayed on the display device.

  Here, even if the pattern obtained from the pattern data being acquired is obtained by superimposing a plurality of image data, the common pattern data may be one image data.

  In addition, when the control device determines that the design data is being acquired, the drive device does not acquire a plurality of image data instead of unacquired image data that is not included in the image data being acquired. May be driven based on predetermined common image data used in common.

Furthermore, the pattern data storage unit stores the common image data in addition to the pattern data.
When the display control unit acquires the design data from the design data storage unit, the display control unit may also acquire the common image data.

  In addition, a lottery to determine whether the player is in a relatively advantageous state or a relatively unfavorable state for a player, and applies to a game stand that notifies the player of the result of the lottery by a combination of pictures. The display device may display a determined mode in which the combination of the pattern is determined through a variation mode in which the combination of the pattern is not determined, together with the effect pattern pattern. The variation mode mentioned here includes a so-called reach mode. The reach mode means that a part of a specific combination of pictures indicating that the result of the lottery is a result advantageous to the player is displayed on the display device, and the picture that has not yet been stopped is changing. The display mode, in other words, the display mode in which it is determined whether or not a specific combination of the above patterns is established in the stop mode of the remaining one pattern that is variably displayed, or all or some of the patterns are A display mode in which all or part of a specific combination is displayed in a variable manner while being synchronized.

  The gaming machine described in appendix 8 includes a gaming area where game media is launched, and a game is started by launching the gaming medium into the gaming area, and game media is paid out according to the game result. Can be applied to. As the game stand here, a ball game machine (pachinko machine) can be mentioned.

  Further, the gaming table described in Appendix 8 includes a plurality of reels each provided with a plurality of types of patterns, and a game is performed by inserting a game medium and rotating the plurality of reels, and depending on the result of the game. The present invention can also be applied to a game machine from which the game medium is paid out. An example of the game table here is a spinning machine (slot machine).

(Appendix 13)
Image display means capable of displaying at least an image;
Image control means capable of controlling at least the image display means;
Control means capable of at least controlling the image control means by executing a plurality of tasks;
Image data storage means for storing at least image data representing an image and drawing information representing a drawing condition of the image;
A game machine equipped with
The control means is capable of executing at least a plurality of tasks in parallel by repeatedly executing a plurality of processes,
The plurality of processes include at least a task state setting process for setting a task in an execution state to an interruption state and setting a task in an interruption state to an execution state,
The control means is capable of executing at least an image information generation process,
The control means is capable of at least performing drawing information transmission processing,
The image information generation process is a process capable of generating at least image information;
The drawing information transmission process is a process capable of transmitting at least the drawing information to the image control unit based on the image information generated in the image information generation process,
One task of the plurality of tasks is a first task including at least the image information generation process and the drawing information transmission process,
In the drawing information transmission process, the control unit transmits the drawing information to the image control unit based on the image information, but the image data is not transferred to the image control unit. A game table, wherein the drawing information is not transmitted to the image control means.

(Appendix 14)
The gaming machine according to appendix 13,
The plurality of tasks includes a second task in which the control unit transfers the image data to the image control unit,
The second task is a task different from the first task.
A game stand characterized by that.

(Appendix 15)
The gaming machine according to appendix 13 or 14,
The image data is data including at least the pattern, color, and shape of the image,
The game table, wherein the drawing information is information including at least a display position and a display size of the image.

(Appendix 16)
The game stand according to any one of supplementary notes 13 to 15,
The control means is capable of executing at least control in accordance with a command received from a main control means including at least a determination unit for determining whether or not the determination is true,
The control means is constituted by a substrate different from the main control means,
The image control means is composed of a substrate different from the main control means and the control means.
A game stand characterized by that.

(Appendix 17)
The game stand according to any one of supplementary notes 13 to 16,
The image control means uses the common image information that is used in common when the image information is not transferred when the image information is not transferred even though the image information is supposed to be transferred. To display an image on
A game stand characterized by that.

(Appendix 18)
Image display means capable of displaying at least an image;
Image control means capable of at least controlling image display control of the image display means;
Control means capable of controlling at least the image control means;
Information storage means for storing at least first information, second information, and third information;
A game machine equipped with
The control means is capable of executing at least a plurality of tasks in parallel,
The control means is capable of executing at least a task state setting process,
The task state setting process includes at least a process of setting a task in an execution state to a suspended state,
The task state setting process includes at least a process of setting a task in a suspended state to an execution state,
The control means is capable of executing processing included in the task in the execution state,
The control means is capable of executing at least a first process,
The control means is capable of executing at least a second process,
The control means is capable of executing at least a third process,
The first process is a process capable of outputting at least the first information to the image control means,
The second process is a process capable of acquiring at least the second information from the information storage unit,
The third process is a process capable of outputting at least the third information to the image control unit based on the second information acquired by the second process.
The control means is capable of executing at least a first task and a second task in parallel,
The first task includes at least the first process,
The second task includes at least the second process and the third process,
In the third process, when the third information is transmitted to the image control unit, the first information corresponding to the third information is not transferred to the image control unit. It is configured not to transmit the third information to the image control means,
In the third process, the control means can output position information about a pattern as the third information,
The control means is capable of outputting bitmap information as the first information in the first process,
The image control means is capable of executing at least control for displaying a picture indicated by the bitmap information at a position indicated by the position information.
A game stand characterized by that.

(Appendix 19)
The game stand according to claim 1,
The control means includes at least a RAM,
The first information is at least transmitted from the information storage means to the image control means without being written to the RAM.
A game stand characterized by that.

(Appendix 20)
The game stand according to claim 1 or 2,
The image control means includes at least a VRAM,
The first information is stored in the VRAM from the information storage means by the first processing.
A game stand characterized by that.

(Appendix 21)
The game stand according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control means is capable of executing at least control in accordance with a command received from a main control means including at least a determination unit for determining whether or not the determination is true,
The control means is constituted by a substrate different from the main control means,
The image control means is composed of a substrate different from the main control means and the control means.
A game stand characterized by that.

(Appendix 22)
The game stand according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The image control means uses the common information that is commonly used when the first information is not transferred when the first information is not transferred even though the first information is supposed to be transferred. It is to display a picture on the image display means.
A game stand characterized by that.
(Appendix 23)
Image display means capable of displaying at least an image;
Image control means capable of executing at least image display control of the image display means;
Control means capable of controlling at least the image control means;
A game machine equipped with
The control means is capable of executing at least a plurality of tasks in parallel,
At least one of the plurality of tasks is a first task;
At least one process in the first task is an information transmission process,
The information transmission process is a process capable of transmitting at least information to the image control means,
The image display control is a control capable of displaying an image at least at a position indicated by the information,
The information is image display position information.
A game stand characterized by that.
(Appendix 24)
The game stand according to appendix 23,
At least one of the plurality of tasks is a second task;
At least one process in the second task is a process including at least a second process capable of transmitting at least bitmap information to the image control means,
The image control means is capable of at least performing control to display the image indicated by the bitmap information as the image at a position indicated by display position information of the image.
A game stand characterized by that.
(Appendix 25)
The gaming machine according to appendix 24,
The image control means is capable of performing at least control not to display the picture when there is unreceived bitmap information.
A game stand characterized by that.
(Appendix 26)
A gaming machine according to attachment 25,
The image control means is capable of executing at least control for displaying the design when the unreceived bitmap information is received after performing control for not displaying the design.
A game stand characterized by that.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pachinko machine 208 Decoration symbol display apparatus 2080 Display screen 300 Main control part 304 CPU
306 ROM
308 RAM
400 First sub-control unit 500 Second sub-control unit 502 Basic circuit 504 CPU
506 ROM
508 RAM
560 Image Control Unit 561 VRAM
562 GPU

Claims (4)

Image display means capable of displaying at least an image;
Image control means capable of executing at least image display control of the image display means;
Control means capable of controlling at least the image control means;
A game machine equipped with
The control means is capable of executing at least a plurality of tasks in parallel,
At least one of the plurality of tasks is a first task;
At least one of the plurality of tasks is a second task;
At least one process in the first task is a first process capable of transmitting at least the display position information of the image to the image control means,
At least one process in the second task is a second process capable of transmitting at least pattern information to the image control means,
The image display control is a control capable of displaying at least the pattern indicated by the pattern information as the image at the position indicated by the display position information.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1,
Comprising storage means capable of storing at least image information;
The image information is information including at least the designation of the first picture information,
The first pattern information is information about at least a part of the first pattern constituting the first image,
The first image is an image scheduled to be displayed on the image display means,
The image display control is a control capable of displaying a picture indicated by the first picture information specified by the image information as the image.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 2,
Determining means for determining whether or not the first picture information designated by the image information has been received;
The image display control is a control capable of not displaying the first pattern when the determination unit determines that the first pattern information is not received.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 3,
The image display control is a control capable of displaying the first design when the unreceived first design information is received after executing the control not to display the first design.
A game stand characterized by that.